Quotes by Epictetus

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

“From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.”

“He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.”

“Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions.”

“Books are the training weights of the mind.”

“Freedom and happiness come from understanding - and working with - our limits. Begin at once a program of self-mastery. Stick with your purpose. Do not seek external approval. Do not worry about anything outside of your control. The only things you command are your thoughts and actions. We choose our response. Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control.”

“I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.”

“Man should have an intuition of this far-reaching cosmic purpose and then, if he takes care to see that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things, the difficulties of earthly existence will not destroy his peace of mind.”