Quotes by 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 on action
11 fans of this quote   

"The soul's impurity consists in bad judgments, and purification consists in producing in it right judgments, and the pure soul is one which has right judgments."

Epictetus on soul   

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

Epictetus on speakers and speaking
3 fans of this quote   

"So you wish to conquer in the Olympic games, my friend? And I too, by the Gods, and a fine thing it would be! But first mark the conditions and the consequences, and then set to work. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or no, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and from wine at your will; in a word, to give yourself over to the trainer as to a physician. Then in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, or to be severely thrashed, and, after all these things, to be defeated."

Epictetus on sports   

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

Epictetus on belief
4 fans of this quote   

"It is a sign of a dull nature to occupy oneself deeply in matters that concern the body; for instance, to be over much occupied about exercise, about eating and drinking, about easing oneself, about sexual intercourse."

Epictetus on body   

"A man that seeks truth and loves it must be reckoned precious to any human society."

Epictetus on truth   

"The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Epictetus on truth   

"A wise man is he who does not grieve for the thing which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."

Epictetus on wisdom   

"He who exercises wisdom exercises the knowledge which is about God."

Epictetus on wisdom   

"If you wish to be a writer; write!"

Epictetus on writers and writing   

"Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them?"

Epictetus on children   

"It is your own convictions which compels you; that is, choice compels choice."

Epictetus on choice
5 fans of this quote   

"Covetousness like jealousy, when it has taken root, never leaves a person, but with their life. Cowardice is the dread of what will happen."

Epictetus on war   

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

Epictetus on criticism
8 fans of this quote   

"Let death be daily before your eyes, and you will never entertain any abject thought, nor too eagerly covet anything."

Epictetus on death
3 fans of this quote   

"Authentic freedom places demands on us."

Epictetus on