Epictetus on Mental Models Quotes

"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings."

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

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

"Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens."

"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."

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

"Difficulties are things that show what men are."

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

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

"Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do."

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

"Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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."

"Only the educated are free."

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

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