Epictetus
Epictetus
Epictetuswas a Greek-speaking Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia, and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in north-western Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
food cooking silent
Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent.
style connections eloquent
These reasonings are unconnected: "I am richer than you, therefore I am better"; "I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better." The connection is rather this: "I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;" "I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours." But you, after all, are neither property nor style.
wise men air
When a youth was giving himself airs in the Theatre and saying, 'I am wise, for I have conversed with many wise men,' Epictetus replied, 'I too have conversed with many rich men, yet I am not rich!’.
courage men difficulty
It is difficulties that show what men are.
giving challenges deeds
Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
business philosophy thinking
What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.
life hope niece
Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.
wise wisdom stupid
It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.
inspirational happiness happy
The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.
desire fleeting superficial
The flourishing life cannot be achieved until we moderate our desires and see how superficial and fleeting they are.
inspirational philosophical knowledge
It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.
men oxford opinion
Not things, but opinions about things, trouble men.