Skip to content
E

Epictetus

25 quotes
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Epictetus

Wisdom

Epictetus's Famous Quotes

25 quotes

It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.

Freedom is the right to live as we wish.

Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.

If you wish to be a writer, write.

Practice yourself, for heavens sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak.

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

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

If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonourable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible.

When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.

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

Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort.

No man is free who is not master of himself.

The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.

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

One that desires to excel should endeavour in those things that are in themselves most excellent.

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

From the Blog

Related Reading

Browse all

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Epictetus was a thought leader whose work continues to inspire people worldwide.

Morning Practice

Continue Your Daily Reflection

Daily faith-based affirmations and quotes from inspiring thinkers like Epictetus.

Explore Daily Motivation →

Free access. New quotes & reflections every day.