Epictetus Quotes

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Epictetus



All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way.

Epictetus



Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.

Epictetus



Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.

Epictetus



Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.

Epictetus



Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly.

Epictetus



Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them.

Epictetus



First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.

Epictetus



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

Epictetus



Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

Epictetus



Freedom is the right to live as we wish.

Epictetus



God has entrusted me with myself.

Epictetus



He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk.

Epictetus



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

Epictetus



If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.

Epictetus



If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.

Epictetus



If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother.

Epictetus



If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it.

Epictetus



If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.

Epictetus



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

Epictetus