"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
"Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it."
33 likes
Source: Epictetus, Sharon Lebell (2013). “The Art of Living: The Classical Mannual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness”, p.10, Harper Collins
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."