Epictetus

It is not he who gives abuse that affronts, but the view that we take of it as insulting; so that when one provokes you it is your own opinion which is provoking.

Epictetus

It is not he who reviles you or strikes you, who insults you, but it is your opinion about these things as being insulting.

Epictetus

It is not the events but our viewpoint toward events that is the determining factor. We ought to be more concerned about removing wrong thoughts from the mind than removing tumors and abscesses from the body.

Epictetus

It is our attitude toward events, not events themselves, which we can control. Nothing is by its own nature calamitous – even death is terrible only if we fear it.

Epictetus

It is unrealistic to expect people to see you as you see yourself.

Epictetus

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

Epictetus

Keep the prospect of death, exile and all such apparent tragedies before you every day – especially death – and you will never have an abject thought, or desire anything to excess.

Epictetus

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

Epictetus

Learn to wish that everything should come to pass exactly as it does.

Epictetus

Living a good life leads to enduring happiness. Goodness in and of itself is the practice and the reward.

Epictetus