"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
"When you actively engage in gradually refining yourself, you retreat from your lazy ways of covering yourself or making excuses. Instead of feeling a persistent current of low-level shame, you move forward by using the creative possibilities of this moment, your current situation."
15 likes
Source: Epictetus, Sharon Lebell (2013). “The Art of Living: The Classical Mannual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness”, p.15, 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."