Epictetus – Greek sage and Stoic philosopher.

 

People are not disturbed by things, but by the views which they take of things.
– Epictetus

All philosophy in two words, – sustain and abstain.
– Epictetus
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Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.
– Epictetus

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Difficulties are things that show what men are.

– Epictetus

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

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

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Fortify yourself with contentment for this is an impregnable fortress.
– Epictetus
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Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle – some things are within your control and some things are not.
– Epictetus

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

– Epictetus

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If you wish to be a writer, write.
~Epictetus

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
– Epictetus

“Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems”
~Epictetus

Nature has given to men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
– Epictetus

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No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

– Epictetus

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To a reasonable creature, that alone is insupportable which is unreasonable; but everything reasonable may be supported.

– Epictetus

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Reason is not measured by size or height, but by principle.

– Epictetus

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Seek not good from without; seek it within yourselves or you will never find it.
– Epictetus
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Since it is Reason which shapes and regulates all other things, it ought not itself to be left in disorder.

– Epictetus

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We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
– Epictetus
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What is the first business of philosophy?  To part with self-conceit.  For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn what he thinks that he already knows.

~Epictetus