770 Quotes by Epictetus

You ought to realize, you take up very little space in the world as a whole – your body, that is; in reason, however, you yield to no one, not even to the gods, because reason is not measured in size but sense. So why not care for that side of you, where you and the gods are equals?

Conduct yourself in all matters, grand and public or small and domestic, in accordance with the laws of nature. Harmonizing your will with nature should be your utmost ideal.

If what philosophers say of the kinship of God and Man be true, what remains for men to do but as Socrates did: – never, when asked one’s country, to answer, “I am an Athenian or a Corinthian,” but “I am a citizen of the world.

Adopt new habits yourself: consolidate your principles by putting them into practice.

That is the way things are weighed and disagreements settled – when standards are established. Philosophy aims to test and set such standards. And the wise man is advised to make use of their findings right way.

In banquets remember that you entertain two guests, body and soul: and whatever you shall have given to the body you soon eject: but what you shall have given to the soul, you keep always.

If you must be affected by other people’s misfortunes, show them pity instead of contempt. Drop this readiness to hate and take offence.

For what else are tragedies but the ordeals of people who have come to value externals, tricked out in tragic verse?

Tis true I know what evil I shall do but passion overpowers the better council.