Epictetus
A GreekPhilosopher, 50 - 138
“If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.”
“People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.”
“Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.”
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.”
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
“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.”
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”
“Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent.”
“One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.”
“Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.”
“Know you not that a good man does nothing for appearance sake, but for the sake of having done right?”
“A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope.”
“It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.”
“Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.”
“Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public.”
“If they are wise, do not quarrel with them; if they are fools, ignore them.”
