Epictetus
c. 55–135 CE · Former slave, then influential teacher
Epictetus was born enslaved in Phrygia and later freed. He taught in Rome until exiled, then in Nicopolis, where his student Arrian recorded his talks. His "Enchiridion" (The Manual) and "Discourses" lay out the dichotomy of control — the idea that peace depends on knowing what is and is not ours to command.
Ideas from Epictetus
“Some things are within our power, while others are not.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
Epictetus · Fragments
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
Epictetus · Discourses
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
Epictetus · Discourses
“It is not death or pain that is to be feared, but the fear of pain or death.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“If you want to improve, be content to appear foolish and stupid to others.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“Don’t demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
Epictetus · Enchiridion
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