Quotes from Epictetus

And, if anyone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not nettled at it, then you be sure that you have begun your business. For sheep don't throw up the grass to show the shepherds how much they have eaten; but, inwardly digesting their food, they outwardly produce wool and milk. Thus, therefore, do you likewise not show theorems to the unlearned, but the actions produced by them after they have been digested.

The divine order does not design people or circumstance according to our tastes

35. When you do anything from a clear judgment that it ought to be done, never shun the being seen to do it, even though the world should make a wrong supposition about it; for, if you don't act right, shun the action itself; but, if you do, why are you afraid of those who censure you wrongly?

And every animal is better or worse from his own merit (virtue) or his own badness. Is there then no virtue in man only? and must we look to the hair, and our clothes and to our ancestors?

If you wish to be rich, you should know that it is neither a good thing nor at all in your power: but if you wish to be happy, you should know that it is both a good thing and in your power, for the one is a temporary loan of fortune, and happiness comes from the will.

Be careful to leave your sons [and daughters] well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant. [in brackets: though I have only sons, I am--of course--someone's daughter]

Maak er van meet af aan een goede gewoonte van tegen elke pijnlijke indruk van buitenaf te zeggen: 'Jij bent niet meer dan een indruk! Jij bent heel anders dan je je voordoet!

If you would improve, be content to be thought foolish and dull with regard to externals. Do not desire to be thought to know anything; and though you should appear to others to be somebody, distrust yourself. For be assured, it is not easy at once to keep your will in harmony with nature and to secure externals; but while you are absorbed in the one, you must of necessity neglect the other. XIV

Philosophy's purpose is to illuminate the ways our soul has been infected by unsound beliefs, untrained tumultuous desires, and dubious life choices and preferences that are unworthy of us. Self-scrutiny applied with kindness is the main antidote.

Happiness is commonly mistaken for passively experienced pleasure or leisure. That conception of happiness is good only as far as it goes. The only worthy object of all our efforts is a flourishing life. True happiness is a verb. It's the ongoing dynamic performance of worthy deeds. The flourishing life, whose foundation is virtuous intention, is something we continually improvise, and in doing so our souls mature. Our life has usefulness to ourselves and to the people we touch.

Proper preparation for the future consists of forming good personal habits.

Nadie puede herirte si tú no lo consientes. Sólo te lastimarán si crees que has sido lastimado. De esta manera no le guardarás rencor a tu prójimo, ya que tú serás quien controle cada sensación que pueda provocarse por la actitud de este.

And who can give to another the things which he has not himself?

if anyone should tell you that a particular person has spoken critically of you, don't bother with excuses or defenses. Just smile and reply, "I guess that person doesn't know about all my other faults. Otherwise, he wouldn't have mentioned only these.

If someone turned your body over to just any person who happened to meet you, you would be angry. But are you not ashamed that you turn over your own faculty of judgment to whoever happens along, so that if he abuses you it is upset and confused?

Kein Mensch, der in Furcht oder Sorge oder Chaos lebt, ist frei, aber wer sich von Sorgen, Furcht und Chaos befreit, wird dadurch auch aus der Sklaverei befreit.

If it pleases the gods, so be it.

Times relieves the foolish from sorrow, but reason relieves the wise

No, I cannot escape death, but at least I can escape the fear of it – or do I have to die moaning and groaning too?

The first task of the person who wishes to live wisely is to free himself or herself from the confines of self-absorption.

Idiot, that's his concern – don't concern yourself with other people's business. It's his problem if he receives you badly.

Doesn't it seem to you that acting against one's will, under protest and compulsion, is tantamount to being a slave?

No exijas que los acontecimientos sucedan como deseas. Acéptalos tal como son realmente. Así te será posible ser feliz.

Es normal esperar de alguien poco instruido que atribuya a los demás sus propias desgracias; de una persona que comienza a instruirse, reprocharse a sí misma; y de una persona altamente instruida, no reprochar ni a los demás ni a sí misma.