50 Inspiring Epictetus Quotes for Wisdom and Inner Growth
“Epictetus ” by “Ashley Scurlock“, licensed under “CC0 1.0“
In this article, we present a collection of 50 insightful Epictetus quotes that encapsulate this renowned Stoic philosopher’s wisdom and teachings. Epictetus, a major figure in Greek philosophy, emphasised the importance of perception, control, and personal growth. Each quote is both an inspiration and a guide to living a virtuous life. Join us on this enlightening journey as we delve into Epictetus’ profound words.
Quotes By Epictetus
This section contains a collection of quotes that are directly attributed to Epictetus. These quotations reflect his philosophical views and offer insights into his teachings. Epictetus discusses various aspects of life, ethics, and the pursuit of happiness in succinct and profound statements..
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
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“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
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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.”
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“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
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“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
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“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
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“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
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“First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.”
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“He is a wise man who does not attach his happiness to things he cannot control.”
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“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.”
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“The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.”
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“No greater thing is created suddenly than a child; even a poor one.”
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EPICTETUS
Perception Epictetus Quotes
Epictetus emphasised the importance of perception and how it shapes our experiences. In this section, we look at quotes that illuminate the Stoic concept of controlling one’s perception and how it can lead to inner peace and tranquillity. These quotes can help you develop a resilient mindset and navigate life’s challenges.
“Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it: ‘Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test.'”
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“Choose not to be harmed, and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed, and you haven’t been.”
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“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your estimate of it.”
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“We are not disturbed by events, but by the views which we take of them.”
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“What upsets people is not things themselves but their judgments about the things.”
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“The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.”
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“It’s not what happens to you, but how you perceive it that matters.”
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“Don’t demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.”
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“Circumstances don’t make the person; they only reveal them to themselves.”
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“He who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary.”
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“If you want to improve, let yourself be seen as you truly are.”
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EPICTETUS
Epictetus Quotes Control
The concept of controlling what we have control over is central to Stoic philosophy. Epictetus believed that focusing on our thoughts, attitudes, and actions was essential for living a fulfilling life. This section contains quotes that emphasise the importance of self-control, resilience, and the ability to navigate adversity with grace.
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
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“It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.”
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“He is a wise man who does not attach his happiness to things he cannot control.”
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“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.”
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“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
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“Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do, and all will be well with you.”
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“If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.”
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“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
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“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.”
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“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.”
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“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
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“Freedom is not achieved by satisfying desire, but by eliminating it.”
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Best Epictetus Quotes
This section contains a curated collection of Epictetus quotes that encapsulate his profound wisdom and timeless teachings. These quotations cover a wide range of subjects, including virtue, liberty, happiness, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
EPICTETUS
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
EPICTETUS
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
EPICTETUS
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
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“He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.”
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“First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.”
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“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
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“The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.”
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“If you want to be truly happy, learn to be indifferent to external events.”
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“It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.”
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“No thing great 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.”
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EPICTETUS
Epictetus, the renowned Stoic philosopher, left a rich legacy of wisdom in the form of his teachings and quotes. His perspectives on perception, control, and personal development continue to ring true with those seeking guidance on their path to self-improvement. We hope that by exploring these 50 Epictetus quotes, readers will be inspired to reflect, introspect, and embrace the virtues advocated by this influential philosopher.
