It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.

- Epictetus

One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.

- Epictetus

Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.

- Epictetus

Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish? Nothing else.

- Epictetus

Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.

- Epictetus

Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public.

- Epictetus

If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother.

- Epictetus

Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return?

- Epictetus

It takes more than just a good looking body. You've got to have the heart and soul to go with it.

- Epictetus

We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral.

- Epictetus

It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.

- Epictetus

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

- Epictetus

If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.

- Epictetus

We should not moor a ship with one anchor, or our life with one hope.

- Epictetus

People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.

- Epictetus

To accuse others for one's own misfortunes 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

It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.

- Epictetus

All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way.

- Epictetus

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

- Epictetus

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

- Epictetus