My Favorite Epictetus Quotes:
Enchiridion, Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1948)
No man is free who is not master of himself.
Everything has two handles: one by which it may be borne, another by which it cannot.
Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.
When, therefore, we are hindered or disturbed, or grieved, let
us never impute it to others, but to ourselves—that is, to our own views.
It is the action of an uninstructed person to reproach others for his own misfortunes; of one entering upon instruction, to reproach himself; and one perfectly instructed, to reproach neither others nor himself.
Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.
Let death and exile, and all other things which appear terrible, be daily before your eyes, but death chiefly; and you will never entertain an abject thought, nor too eagerly covet anything.
My favorite Marcus Aurelius Quotes
Marcus Aurelius Antonius To Himself
Macmillan, London (1932)
Most of the things we say or do are not necessary; get rid of them, and you will gain time and tranquility.
Does another do wrong? The wrong is his own.
On any given thing, I have the power to take the right view.
Cheerfulness in all circumstances as well as in illness.
The thing is a misfortune, but to bear it bravely is good fortune.
What use am I now making of my soul? That is the question.
In the universe honor that which is highest.
One thing and one thing alone, philosophy.
Give the God within control of what you are.
A man, remember, lives only in the present, this passing moment; all else is life outlived, or yet undisclosed.
Nowhere can man find retirement more peaceful more untroubled than in his own soul. Withdraw into yourself.
First and foremost, keep unperturbed.
All that happens, happens aright. Watch closely, you will find it so.
Is the emerald less perfect, for lacking praise?
Never make yourself tyrant or slave to any person.
Be your own master.
The measure of a man’s worth is the worth of his aims. Love mankind. Walk with God
Simplify your Life: 