Quotes About Stoicism

No, I cannot escape death, [10] but at least I can escape the fear of it – or do I have to die moaning and groaning too?

But the wise man knows that all things are in store for him. Whatever happens, he says: I knew it.

It is not the person who insults or attacks you who torments your mind, but the view you take of these things.

Who is there left for me to fear, and over what has he control? Not what is in my power, because no one controls that except myself. As for what is not in my power, in that I take no interest.

If any be unhappy, let him remember that he is unhappy by reason of himself alone. For God hath made all men to enjoy felicity and constancy of good. CXXIII

Anytus and Meletus can kill me, but they cannot harm me,'50 he says, and: 'If it pleases the gods, so be it.

ask yourself how Socrates or Zeno

Remember that it is we who torment, we who make difficulties for ourselves – that is, our opinions do. What, for instance, does it mean to be insulted? Stand by a rock and insult it, and what have you accomplished? If someone responds to insult like a rock, what has the abuser gained with his invective?

You are invincible if nothing outside the will can disconcert you.

Be confident in everything outside the will, and cautious in everything under the will's control.

Tell us your secrets.' [23] 'I refuse, as this is up to me.' 'I will put you in chains.' 'What's that you say, friend? It's only my leg you will chain, not even God can conquer my will.' [24] 'I will throw you into prison.' 'Correction – it is my body you will throw there.' 'I will behead you.' 'Well, when did I ever claim that mine was the only neck that couldn't be severed?

And yet, while there is only the one thing we can care for and devote ourselves to, we choose instead to care about and attach ourselves to a score of others: to our bodies, to our property, to our family, friends and slaves.

If you take care of it and identify with it, you will never be blocked or frustrated; you won't have to complain, and never will need to blame or flatter anyone.

What is death? A scary mask. Take it off – see, it doesn't bite.

For of the things which are within the power of the will, as being good and present, you have a proper and regulated desire: but of the things which are not in the power of the will you do not desire any one, and so you do not allow any place to that which is irrational, and impatient, and above measure hasty.

At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next every two, next every three days! and if you succeed in passing thirty days, sacrifice to the Gods in thanksgiving.

Gustavo Solivellas dice: Make the best use of what's in your power and take the rest as it happens (Epictetus)

If you learn that someone is speaking ill of you, don't try to defend yourself against the rumours; respond instead with, 'Yes, and he doesn't know the half of it, because he could have said more

Show me a man who though sick is happy, who though in danger is happy, who though in prison is happy, and I'll show you a Stoic.

We must endure, and toil without complaining.

If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothin which may tend to its increase. At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next, every two, then every three days! and if you succeed in passing thirty days, sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving.

Diogenes says somewhere that one way to guarantee freedom is to be ready to die.

Good luck frees many men from punishment, but no man from fear.

19] 'My brother shouldn't have treated me in this way.' Indeed he shouldn't, but it's for him to see to that. For my part, however he treats me, I should conduct myself towards him as I ought. For that is my business, and the rest is not my concern. In this no one can hinder me, while everything else is subject to hindrance.