"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
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Quote collection
Epictetus quotes (page 1 of 24)
467 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Any person capable of angering you becomes your master."
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"Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible."
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"Don't be concerned with other people's impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances. Stick with your purpose. This alone will strengthen your will and give your life coherence."
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"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will."
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"I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later."
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"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger."
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"Be careful whom you associate with. It is human to imitate the habits of those with whom we interact. We inadvertently adopt their interests, their opinions, their values, and their habit of interpreting events."
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"From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now."
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"Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. Once you have determined the spiritual principles you wish to exemplify, abide by these rules as if they were laws, as if it were indeed sinful to compromise them. Don't mind if others don't share your convictions. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer."
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"Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours."
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"Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it."
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"If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well"
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"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
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"You can be happy if you know this secret: Some things are within your power to control and some things are not."
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"He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at."
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"Freedom and happiness are won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control."
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"No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen."
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"As you think, so you become.....Our busy minds are forever jumping to conclusions, manufacturing and interpreting signs that aren't there."
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"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."
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