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If you would be a reader, read if a writer, write.

Epictetus

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Epictetus
Philosopher
Epictetus of Hierapolis
Reader
Writer
Read
Write
Writing
Would

More quotes by Epictetus

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It is the sign of a dull mind to dwell upon the cares of the body, to prolong exercise, eating and drinking and other bodily functions. These things are best done by the way all your attention must be given to the mind.
Epictetus
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No man is able to make progress when he is wavering between opposite things.
Epictetus
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When we act pugnaciously, and injuriously, and angrily, and rudely, to what level have we degenerated? To the level of the wild beasts. Well, the fact is that some of us are wild beasts of a larger size, while others are little animals, malignant and petty.
Epictetus
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In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taughtbut in life there are many things to draw us aside.
Epictetus
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What is death? A scary mask. Take it off-see, it doesn't bite.
Epictetus
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No matter where you find yourself, comport yourself as if you were a distinguished person.
Epictetus
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The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing.
Epictetus
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You bear God within you, poor wretch, and know it not.
Epictetus
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It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.
Epictetus
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A guide, on finding a man who has lost his way, brings him back to the right path—he does not mock and jeer at him and then take himself off. You also must show the unlearned man the truth, and you will see that he will follow. But so long as you do not show it him, you should not mock, but rather feel your own incapacity.
Epictetus
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No great thing is created suddenly.
Epictetus
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When a man is proud because he can understand and explain the writings of Chrysippus, say to yourself, 'if Chrysippus had not written obscurely, this man would have had nothing to be proud of.'
Epictetus
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The pleasure which we most rarely experience gives us greatest delight.
Epictetus
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Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
Epictetus
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Whoever wants to be free, therefore, let him not want or avoid anything that is up to others. Otherwise he will necessarily be a slave.
Epictetus
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Freedom and happiness are won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.
Epictetus
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Every place is safe to him who lives with justice.
Epictetus
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Neither the victories of the Olympic Games nor those achieved in battles make the man happy. The only victories that make him happy are those achieved against himself. Temptations and tests are combats. You have beaten one, two, many times still fight. If you defeat at last you will be happy your entire life, as if you have always defeated.
Epictetus
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When we blather about trivial things, we ourselves become trivial, for our attention gets taken up with trivialities. You become what you give your attention to.
Epictetus
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There is but one way to tranquility of mind and happiness, and that is to account no external things thine own, but to commit all to God.
Epictetus