Stoic
Ἐπίκτητος
c. 50 – c. 135 CE · Hierapolis, Phrygia; taught in Nicopolis
Born enslaved, Epictetus studied Stoicism in Rome, gained his freedom and later taught in Nicopolis, Greece. His student Arrian recorded his lectures as the Discourses and condensed them into the Enchiridion, or Handbook.
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions.”
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §1 · trans. Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1865) · source
Wording awaiting editorial check against the source.
Higginson translation; confirm exact wording against the source text.
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.”
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §5 · trans. Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1865) · source
Wording awaiting editorial check against the source.
Higginson translation; confirm exact wording against the source text.
When you kiss your child or a loved one, Epictetus advises, remind yourself that you are kissing a mortal, so that you will not be undone if they are taken.
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §3
Paraphrase and reference awaiting verification against the source.
Many modern readers find this teaching hard; it is presented as Epictetus’ view.
Do not seek for events to happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do, and your life will go smoothly.
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §8
Paraphrase and reference awaiting verification against the source.
Never say of anything, I have lost it, but rather, I have given it back.
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §11
Paraphrase and reference awaiting verification against the source.
Every habit and capacity is strengthened by the corresponding actions: walking by walking, running by running. If you want to be good at something, do it; if not, refrain.
Epictetus, Discourses, II.18.1–4
Paraphrase and reference awaiting verification against the source.
The signs of someone making progress, Epictetus says, are that they blame no one, praise no one, complain of no one, and say nothing about themselves as if they knew something.
Epictetus, Enchiridion, §48
Paraphrase and reference awaiting verification against the source.
Stoic (3rd c. BCE onward). Living in agreement with nature and reason, distinguishing what is up to us from what is not.