Quotes from Epictetus

There is but one way to tranquility of mind and happiness, and that is to account no external things thine own, but to commit all to God.

I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I choose.

Think of God more often than thou breathest.

If I was a nightingale I would sing like a nightingale; if a swan, like a swan. But since I am a rational creature my role is to praise God.

Let thy speech of God be renewed day by day, aye, rather than thy meat and drink.

Think of God oftener than you breathe.

If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.

The essence of good and evil is a certain disposition of the will.

The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.

Happiness is an equivalent for all troublesome things.

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.

It is impossible that happiness, and yearning for what is not present, should ever be united.

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.

It takes more than just a good looking body. You've got to have the heart and soul to go with it.

We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral.

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.

Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress.

Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.

Unremarkable lives are marked by the fear of not looking capable when trying something new.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.

The pleasure which we most rarely experience gives us greatest delight.

Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world.

It is your own convictions which compels you; that is, choice compels choice.