Epictetus on Mental Models Quotes

"Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern."

"The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths."

"What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit."

"Only the educated are free."

"First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak."

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

"If you want to be a writer, write."

"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."

"A city is not adorned by external things, but by the virtue of those who dwell in it."

"Small-minded people blame others. Average people blame themselves. The wise see all blame as foolishness."

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."

"Difficulties are things that show what men are."

"It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them."

"Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak."

"What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are."

"If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realize that you have compromised your integrity."

"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things."

"Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater."

"Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control."

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."

"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things."

"People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them."

"Is it possible that what is not in our power to be either good or evil?"

"No man is free who is not master of himself."

"Every habit and faculty is confirmed and strengthened by the corresponding actions."

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."

"Control your passions lest they take vengeance on you."

"If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses, just answer: He was ignorant of my other faults."

"Some things are within our power, while others are not."

"Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the way to peace."

"God has entrusted me with myself."

"Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly."

"Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it."