Epictetus - Life Quotes

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In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taught; but in life there are many things to draw us aside.

Epictetus
As in walking it is your great care not to run your foot upon a nail, or to tread awry, and strain your leg; so let it be in all the affairs of human life, not to hurt your mind or offend your judgment. And this rule, if observed carefully in all your deportment, will be a mighty security to you in your undertakings.

Epictetus
It is no easy thing for a principle to become a man's own unless each day he maintains it and works it out in his life.

Epictetus
If you wish to live a life free from sorrow, think of what is going to happen as if it had already happened.

Epictetus
Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue.

Epictetus
But in the present condition of things, which resembles an Army in battle array, ought not the Cynic to be free from all distraction and given wholly to the service of God, so that he can go in and out among men, neither fettered by the duties nor entangled by the relations of common life? For if he transgresses them, he will forfeit the character of a good man and true; whereas if he observe them, there is an end of him as the Messenger, the Spy, the Herald of the Gods!

Epictetus
Each man's life is a kind of campaign, and a long and complicated one at that. You have to maintain the character of a soldier, and do each separate act at the bidding of the General.

Epictetus
In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person; in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.

Epictetus
Choose the life that is noblest, for custom can make it sweet to thee.

Epictetus
To a longer and worse life, a shorter and better is by all means to be preferred.

Epictetus
For he who is unmusical is a child in music; he who is without letters is a child in learning; he who is untaught, is a child in life.

Epictetus
Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.

Epictetus
But God hath introduced Man to be a spectator of Himself and of His works; and not a spectator only, but also an interpreter of them. Wherefore it is a shame for man to begin and to leave off where the brutes do. Rather he should begin there, and leave off where Nature leaves off in us: and that is at contemplation, and understanding, and a manner of life that is in harmony with herself. See then that ye die not without being spectators of these things.

Epictetus
Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.

Epictetus
When one maintains his proper attitude in life, he does not long after externals. What would you have, O man?

Epictetus
A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope.

Epictetus
Try to enjoy the great festival of life with other men.

Epictetus
Remember that you ought to behave in life as you would at a banquet. As something is being passed around it comes to you; stretch out your hand, take a portion of it politely. It passes on; do not detain it. Or it has not come to you yet; do not project your desire to meet it, but wait until it comes in front of you. So act toward children, so toward a wife, so toward office, so toward wealth.

Epictetus
He that hath no musical instruction is a child in Music; he that hath no letters is a child in Learning; he that is untaught is a child in Life.

Epictetus
Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!

Epictetus