"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
"If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: "I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next, every two, then every three days!" and if you succeed in passing thirty days, sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving."
6 likes
Source: Epictetus (2017). “The Philosophy of Epictetus: Golden Sayings and Fragments”, p.30, Courier Dover Publications
About the author
Same author
More quotes by Epictetus
"Any person capable of angering you becomes your master."
"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."
"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."
"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will."
"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger."