Epictetus quotes - page 9

Liars are the cause of all the sins and crimes in the world. (Epictetus)
If you would cure anger, do not feed it. Say to yourself: 'I used to be angry every day; then every other day; now only every third or fourth day.' When you reach thirty days offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the gods.
Epictetus
It is your own convictions which compels you that is, choice compels choice.
Epictetus
The materials are indifferent, but the use we make of them is not a matter of indifference.
Epictetus
There are some faults which men readily admit, but others not so readily.
Epictetus
Nothing is in reality either pleasant or unpleasant by nature but all things become so through habit.
Epictetus
In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.
Epictetus
A guide, on finding a man who has lost his way, brings him back to the right path-he does not mock and jeer at him and then take himself off. You also must show the unlearned man the truth, and you will see that he will follow. But so long as you do not show it him, you should not mock, but rather feel your own incapacity.
Epictetus
What wouldst thou be found doing when overtaken by Death? If I might choose, I would be found doing some deed of true humanity, of wide import, beneficent and noble. But if I may not be found engaged in aught so lofty, let me hope at least for this-what none may hinder, what is surely in my power-that I may be found raising up in myself that which had fallen; learning to deal more wisely with the things of sense; working out my own tranquillity, and thus rendering that which is its due to every relation of life.
Epictetus
How can it be that one who hath nothing.
Epictetus
Man, if thou art aught, strive to walk alone and hold converse with yourself, instead of skulking in the chorus! at length think; look around thee; bestir thyself, that thou mayest know who thou art! (Epictetus)
What you shun enduring yourself, attempt not to impose on others. You shun slavery-beware of enslaving others!
Epictetus
Vice has nothing in common with virtue, nor Freedom with slavery.
Epictetus
Not even on finding himself in a well-ordered house does a man step forward and say to himself, I must be master here! Else the lord of that house.
Epictetus
For the greatness of Reason is not measured by length or height, but by the resolves of the mind.
Epictetus
Above all avoid speaking of persons, either in the way of praise or blame, or comparison. If you can, win over the conversation of your company to what it should be by your own. But if you should find yourself cut off without escape among strangers and aliens, be silent.
Epictetus
As God hath ordained, so do; else thou wilt suffer chastisement and loss. Askest thou what loss?
Epictetus
If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit.
Epictetus
To have left undone what thou shouldst have done: to have lost the faithfulness, the reverence, the modesty that is in thee!
Epictetus
People are strange, they neither wish to live nor die.
Epictetus
With every accident, ask yourself what abilities you have for making a proper use of it. If you see an attractive person, you will find that self-restraint is the ability you have against your desire. If you are in pain, you will find fortitude. If you hear unpleasant language, you will find patience. And thus habituated, the appearances of things will not hurry you away along with them. (10). (Epictetus)
God hath introduced Man to be a spectator of Himself and of His works; and.
Epictetus
A guide, on finding a man who has lost his way, brings him back to the right path-he does not mock and jeer at him and then take himself off.
Epictetus
And in what wise treat I those to whom you stand in fear and awe? Is it not as slaves? Who when he seeth me doth not think that he beholdeth his Master and his King?
Epictetus
Knowest thou what kind of speck you art in comparison with the Universe?-That is, with respect to the body; since with respect to Reason, thou art not inferior to the Gods.
Epictetus