Best quotes by Epictetus

Are you looking to navigate the challenges of today’s world, find purpose, or enhance your productivity?

Me too. And one Stoic philosopher has helped me to do these things with more ease time and time again.

Today, we’ve curated some of the best quotes by Epictetus.

Let’s get started.

Epictetus On Control

1. “There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” – Epictetus
2. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus
3. “Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.” – Epictetus
4. “People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.” – Epictetus
5. “Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.” – Epictetus
6. If someone tried to take control of your body and make you a slave, you would fight for freedom. Yet how easily you hand over your mind to anyone who insults you. When you dwell on their words and let them dominate your thoughts, you make them your master.” – Epictetus

Epictetus On Dealing with People

1. “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.’” – Epictetus
2. “Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.” – Epictetus
3. “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” – Epictetus
4. “Other people’s views and troubles can be contagious. Don’t sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.” – Epictetus
5. “Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation. Which is why it is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions; take a moment before reacting, and you will find it easier to maintain control.” – Epictetus
6. “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus
7. “An ignorant person is inclined to blame others for his own misfortune. To blame oneself is proof of progress. But the wise man never has to blame another or himself.” – Epictetus
8. “Do not try to seem wise to others. If you want to live a wise life, live it on your own terms and in your own eyes.” – Epictetus
9. “When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.” – Epictetus
10. “Small-minded people blame others. Average people blame themselves. The wise see all blame as foolishness” – Epictetus

Epictetus On Learning and Self-development

1. “Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents.” – Epictetus
2. “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” – Epictetus
3. “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
4. “You become what you give your attention to.” – Epictetus
5. “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” 
6. – Epictetus

Epictetus On Adversity

1. “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems” – Epictetus
2. “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. ” – Epictetus
3. “Difficulty shows what men are.” – Epictetus
4. “Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.” – Epictetus
5. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus

Key Takeaways

1. Control What You Can

Epictetus emphasizes the importance of focusing on what’s in your control and letting go of what’s not.

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.”

In today’s world, with so much information and chaos, it’s easy to get lost in worry about things we can’t control, like global politics or natural disasters. Instead, focus on personal actions and attitudes that you can change.

2. Master Your Emotions

“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.”

This quote highlights the power we have over our emotional responses. Today, with heated social media debates and polarizing news, it’s a vital reminder not to let others control your emotional state.

3. Surround Yourself with Good People 

Epictetus teaches us the importance of the company we keep with his quote, “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”

In our modern world of digital connections and virtual friends, it’s important to carefully choose the people who truly add value to our life.

4. Never Stop Learning

Epictetus believed in the power of continuous learning: “Don’t just say you have read books…Books are the training weights of the mind.”

Lifelong learning isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a necessity. From technology shifts to evolving workplaces, continuous learning helps us adapt and thrive.

5. Face Adversity Bravely

Life is full of challenges and adversities. However, as Epictetus says, “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.”

Whether it’s losing a job in a tough economy or facing a health crisis, remember that overcoming adversity often leads to personal growth and resilience.

6. Embrace Humility

Epictetus also emphasizes humility and self-awareness: “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”

In a world where everyone is trying to prove they’re the smartest in the room, remember that there’s always something new to learn.

Join Us

If these nuggets of wisdom from Epictetus have sparked some inspiration, why not join our Stoic newsletter? Basically, you’ll get Stoic quotes, journalling tips, and other resources right to your inbox.

If that’s not for you, no worries. We’d also love to hear from you in the comments below. Did any of these quotes really resonate with you? Have we missed one of your favorite quotes from Epictetus? Let us know!