Epictetus quotes - page 4

In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taught;but in life there are many things to draw us aside. (Epictetus)
Since it is Reason which shapes and regulates all other things, it ought not itself to be left in disorder. View quote
Epictetus
Do not give sentence in another tribunal till you have been yourself judged in the tribunal of Justice. View quote
Epictetus
The essence of good and evil is a certain disposition of the will. View quote
Epictetus
Reason is not measured by size or height, but by principle. View quote
Epictetus
There are some things which men confess with ease, and others with difficulty. View quote
Epictetus
The appearance of things to the mind is the standard of every action to man. View quote
Epictetus
O slavish man! will you not bear with your own brother, who has God for his Father, as being a son from the same stock, and of the same high descent? But if you chance to be placed in some superior station, will you presently set yourself up for a tyrant? View quote
Epictetus
Things true and evident must of necessity be recognized by those who would contradict them. View quote
Epictetus
In every affair consider what precedes and what follows, and then undertake it. View quote
Epictetus
Concerning the Gods, there are who deny the very existence of the Godhead; others say that it exists, but neither bestirs nor concerns itself nor has forethought for anything. A third party attribute to it existence and forethought, but only for great and heavenly matters, not for anything that is on earth. A fourth party admit things on earth as well as in heaven, but only in general, and not with respect to each individual. A fifth, of whom were Ulysses and Socrates, are those that cry:- I move not without Thy knowledge! (Epictetus)
Appear to know only this,-never to fail nor fall. View quote
Epictetus
Every habit and faculty is preserved and increased by correspondent actions,-as the habit of walking, by walking; of running, by running. View quote
Epictetus
The materials of action are variable, but the use we make of them should be constant. View quote
Epictetus
Fortify thyself with contentment: that is an impregnable stronghold. View quote
Epictetus
When one maintains his proper attitude in life, he does not long after externals. What would you have, O man? View quote
Epictetus
Freedom is the right to live as we wish. View quote
Epictetus
Try to enjoy the great festival of life with other men. (3). View quote
Epictetus
All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way. View quote
Epictetus
Everything has two handles one by which it may be borne, another by which it cannot. View quote
Epictetus
If a man has reported to you, that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make any defense (answer) to what has been told you: but reply, The man did not know the rest of my faults, for he would not have mentioned these only. (33) [tr. George Long (1888)]. (Epictetus)
If thou wouldst make progress, be content to seem foolish and void of understanding with respect to outward things. Care not to be thought to know anything. If any should make account of thee, distrust thyself. (158). View quote
Epictetus
If you have assumed a character beyond your strength, you have both played a poor figure in that, and neglected one that is within your powers. (79). View quote
Epictetus
Thou shalt not blame or flatter any. (6). View quote
Epictetus
Does a Philosopher apply to people to come and hear him? does he not rather, of his own nature, attract those that will be benefited by him-like the sun that warms, and the food that sustains them? (120). View quote
Epictetus