Epictetus
c. 50 – c. 135 AD
Born a slave, Epictetus rose to become one of the most influential Stoic teachers of his time. He emphasized the 'dichotomy of control'—distinguishing between what we can change and what we cannot. His teachings, transcribed by his student Arrian in the 'Discourses' and 'Enchiridion', offer a powerful and direct path to inner freedom and resilience.
Wisdom from Epictetus
"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them."
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid."
"No man is free who is not master of himself."
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
"If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, 'He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.'"
"Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you."
"Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens."
"An unexamined life is not worth living."
"Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them."
"Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that are outside our control."