100 Great Quotes By Epictetus, The Author Of The Art Of Living
Famous As: Greek Stoic Philosopher
Born On: 50 AD
Died On: 135 AD
Born In: Hierapolis Ancient City, Turkey
Died At Age: 85
Epictetus was a Greek-speaking Stoic philosopher who believed that philosophy was a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. He believed that the foundation of philosophy was self-knowledge and that ignorance and gullibility needed to be evaded. Epictetus argued that logic provided valid reasoning and certainty in judgement. He claimed that philosophy was divided into three branches – the application of doctrine, the reasons and the establishment of the reasons if it were a right one. Epictetus believed that all external events were beyond one’s control and that one should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Epictetus described philosophy as learning. He believed true education was recognizing that there is nothing more supreme than one’s will or purpose. Epictetus also claimed that men are not entirely responsible for the ideas that they present to their consciousness. However, they are wholly responsible for the way in which they use the ideas. In his life, Epictetus did not pen his teachings. Instead it was done by his pupil Arrian. Epictetus’s philosophy of life can be clearly seen in his quotes that give a deep meaning to life and living. Check this segment and find some awesome quotes by Epictetus.
If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.
Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.
Epictetus
Circumstances don't make the man, they only reveal him to himself.
Epictetus
To accuse others for one's own misfortune is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete.
Epictetus
Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.
Epictetus
I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.
