Epictetus

We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral.

Epictetus

When men are unhappy, they do not imagine they can ever cease to be so; and when some calamity has fallen on them, they do not see how they can get rid of it. Nevertheless, both arrive; and the gods have ordered it so, in the end men seek it from the gods.

Epictetus

When we blather about trivial things, we ourselves become trivial, for our attention gets taken up with trivialities. You become what you give your attention to.

Epictetus

When your thoughts, words, and deeds form a seamless fabric, you streamline your efforts and thus eliminate worry and dread.

Epictetus

Wherever any one is against his will, that is to him a prison.

Epictetus

Whoever chafes at the conditions dealt by fate is unskilled in the art of life; whoever bears with them nobly and makes wise use of the results is a man who deserves to be considered good.

Epictetus

Wisdom means understanding without any doubt that circumstances do not rise to meet our expectations. Events happen as they may. People behave as they will.

Epictetus

You can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer.

Epictetus

You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself.

Epictetus

You will never have to experience defeat if you avoid contests whose outcome is outside your control.

Epictetus