If I am, then death is not. If death is... then I am not. Why should I fear that which cannot exist when I do? Or worry about something that I cannot control? Either is a waste of my time and resources. Epictetus, The Discourses
Quotes: Epictetus on Progress
Yes, it is true: that in the method of perfecting anything, will lead to progress. -- Epictetus, The Discourses (55-135 AD)
Epictetus on the importance of Education
What then is education? Education is the learning how to adapt natural intuition to the particular things that conform to nature; and then to distinguish those things which are in our power, and the others that are not in our power and so we can see that will and acts of will are really … Continue reading Epictetus on the importance of Education
Epictetus on Who is really the slave
If you want to improve, reject such reasoning as these: “If I neglect my affairs, I’ll have no income; if I don't correct my servant, he will be bad.” For it is better to die with hunger, exempt from grief and fear, than to live in affluence with perturbation; and it is better your servant … Continue reading Epictetus on Who is really the slave
Epictetus on Transience
Regarding whatever objects that give you delight, that you find are useful, or are deeply loved, remember to tell yourself that they are not permanent but transitory. If, for example,you are fond of a specific ceramic cup, remind yourself that it is only a ceramic cup, part of the family of ceramic cups in general of … Continue reading Epictetus on Transience
The Philosopher Epictetus on Loss
Epictetus was a Neoplatonist, a philosophy that was basically Stoic but made more palatable to those who shunned the label. He was highly influential on the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. He is often called the New Socrates, and many of his references to the pagan philosopher in his Handbook are replaced with references to Saint … Continue reading The Philosopher Epictetus on Loss
Some things are in our control and others not.
Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, and most importantly belong to others. Now things that are not in our control are: our body, despite your … Continue reading Some things are in our control and others not.
Who is Epictetus?
From the Encyclopaedia Britannica on Epictetus, because I'll be posting various things from Enchiridion. Epictetus, (born AD 55, probably at Hierapolis, Phrygia [now Pamukkale, Turkey]—died c. AD 135, Nicopolis, Epirus [Greece]), a Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, & remembered for the religious tone of his teachings, which commended him to numerous early Christian thinkers. His original … Continue reading Who is Epictetus?
In my anguish... 