Epictetus
c. 50-135 CE • Greek-Roman
Stoicism
Greek Stoic philosopher born into slavery. His Enchiridion teaches that freedom comes from focusing only on what we can control.
Key Works
- Enchiridion
- Discourses
110
quotes in library
Quotes by Epictetus
110 quotes“He who has learnt to know his own thoughts has learnt the world.”
self-knowledgeDiscourses 1.20
“Better silence than mistakes.”
silenceEnchiridion 33
“In all things — silence first, then careful speech.”
speechEnchiridion 33
“What progress, you ask, have I made? — I have begun to be a friend to myself.”
self-friendshipDiscourses 1.4
“Such a man is never alone, but is always with the Friend within.”
interiorityDiscourses 1.4
“Eternally great is he who has gained dominion over himself.”
masteryDiscourses 4.6
“And what is wealth? — Few wants.”
wealthDiscourses 4.4
“And what is power? — Mastery of one's own desires.”
powerDiscourses 4.4
“All philosophy lies in two words — sustain and abstain.”
essenceFragments
“If you wish to be a writer, write.”
actionDiscourses 4.4
“You become what you give your attention to.”
attentionDiscourses 4.4
“Things are as they are, not as your judgment dresses them.”
perceptionEnchiridion 5
“Take responsibility — but for what is yours, not for what isn't.”
responsibilityDiscourses 1.1
“What is freedom? — To live without grief, without fear, without disturbance.”
freedomDiscourses 4.1
“Self-mastery is the only mastery worth holding.”
masteryDiscourses 1.18
“He who has gained mastery of his judgments is unshakeable.”
judgmentDiscourses 4.5
“He who is a partaker of the divine nature must not behave like a slave to bodily pleasure.”
divineDiscourses 2.8
“Remember whose son you are.”
identityDiscourses 2.8
“You are a citizen of the universe — a fragment of God.”
identityDiscourses 1.9
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