Epictetus is one of the central figures of Stoicisma philosophical current that advocates resilience and personal ethicsfor accepting what we cannot control and for focusing on personal virtue, emotional balance and finding inner peace through rational thinking and self-discipline.
Epictetus’ emphasis on personal responsibility and inner freedom, and his practical approach to philosophy as a way of life They continue to inspire generations of people.
Epictetus, the slave philosopher
Born as a slave in Hierapolis (present-day Pamukkale, Türkiye), he was brought to Rome as a slave. Despite its humble origins, Epictetus developed a passion for philosophy and studied under the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus while still a slave.
After the death of Emperor Nero, Epictetus obtained freedom and began teaching philosophy in Rome. He established his own school of philosophy in Nicopolis, Greece, after being banished from Rome along with other philosophers by Emperor Domitian.
His teachings focused on ethicspersonal responsibility, acceptance of what is out of our control and the importance of focusing on what we can control, particularly our own thoughts and actions.
25 inspiring phrases from Epictetus
The teachings of Epictetus They were collected by his student Arriano in two works: The Discourses and The Enchiridion, thanks to which his phrases have survived and continue to inspire many people. We have collected some of the most relevant ones below:
11. «Your happiness depends on three things, all of which are in your power: your will, your ideas about the events in which you engage, and the use you make of your ideas.»
According to Epictetus and the Stoicshappiness is determined by factors that are within our control, rather than external circumstances.
12. «No man is free if he is not master of himself.»
To be truly free, we must have control over ourselvesabout our thoughts, emotions and actions.
13. «Whoever wants to be free must neither desire nor reject anything that depends on others; otherwise, he will necessarily be a slave.»
According to Epictetus, freedom does not depend on external circumstancesbut to not depend on desires and aversions linked to others or to things that are beyond our control.
14. «Don’t just say that you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more insightful and reflective person.»
A quote that reminds us that books are not for decorationbut to educate and transform us.
15. «If you want to improve, be content with being considered dumb and stupid.»
Personal growth requires humility and courageprioritize self-improvement over ego.
16. «Do not look for events to happen as you wish; rather wish for them to happen as they do and you will be happy.»
Peace and happiness come from align our desires with reality instead of fighting it.
17. «Take care of this moment. Immerse yourself in its details. Respond to this person, to this challenge, to this action. Stop evading. Stop looking for unnecessary problems. It is time to live; fully inhabit the situation in which you find yourself now.»
Epictetus reminds us here value of being present and committed at every momentno matter what we are doing.
18. «The greater the difficulty, the more glory there will be in overcoming it.»
The difficulties we encounter along the way lead us to greater rewards in terms of personal growth, strength and fulfillment.
19. «Wealth does not consist of having great possessions, but of having few needs.»
For the Stoics, True wealth is not found in the accumulation of material possessionsbut in the ability to live with satisfaction and simplicity.
20. «What matters is not what happens to you, but how you react.»
Our response to events that happen to us It is what truly defines our life experience.
21. «The key is to be in the company of only people who lift you up, whose presence demands your best.»
Epictetus reminds us here of the importance of choose relationships that foster our growth personal and well-being.
22. «Only educated people are free.»
Education, in the Stoic sense, has to do with understand oneself, make informed decisions and control one’s reactions.
23. «Nature has given human beings one tongue and two ears, so that we can hear from others twice as much as we speak.»
Epictetus highlights the importance of listen before speaking and the value of listening carefully.
24. «It is better to die of hunger having lived without pain and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit in the midst of plenty.»
The inner peace and virtue They are, for Epictetus, much more valuable than material wealth.
25. «A wise person is one who does not regret the things he does not have, but rejoices over the things he has.»
A wise person does not let himself be carried away by desires or regrets. for what is missing in life.