Epictetus quotes discourses
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Epictetus was born nearly 2, years ago in Hierapolis (present-day Pamukkale in Turkey) as a slave in a wealthy household. Later, Epictetus obtained his freedom shortly after emperor Nero’s death and started teaching philosophy in Rome for nearly 25 years. This lasted until emperor Domitian famously banished all philosophers in Rome. Epictetus fled to Nicopolis in Greece where he founded a philosophy school and taught there until his death.
A great starting point for Epictetus would be his Enchiridion, which translates as a ‘small manual or a handbook’ and it is exactly that. It is the perfect introduction to Epictetus as it is packad with short Stoic maxims and principles. The next step would be Epictetus’ Discourses, which are much längre and deserve a bigger commitment.
Below are 10 of our favorite quotes from the former slave. For more kunskap on Epictetus, see our article &#;Who Is Epictetus? From Slave To World’s Most Sought After Philosopher&#;
&#;It is impossi
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Discourses and Selected Writings Quotes
“So you wish to conquer in the Olympic Games, my friend? And I, too But first mark the conditions and the consequences. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or not, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and wine at your will. Then, in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, to be severely thrashed, and after all of these things, to be defeated.”
&#; Epictetus, The Discourses with the Enchiridion and FragmentsLike
“Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”
&#; Epictetus, Discourses and Selected WritingsLike
“Sickness is a problem for the body, not the mind — unless the mind decides that it is a problem. La
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The Discourses Quotes
“Thus Epicurus also, when he designs to destroy the natural fellowship of mankind, at the same time makes use of that which he destroys.
For what does he say? ‘Be not deceived, men, nor be led astray, nor be mistaken: there is no natural fellowship among rational animals; believe me. But those who say otherwise, deceive you and seduce you by false reasons.’—What is this to you? Permit us to be deceived.
Will you fare worse, if all the rest of us are persuaded that there is a natural fellowship among us, and that it ought by all means to be preserved? Nay, it will be much better and safer for you.
Man, why do you trouble yourself about us? Why do you keep awake for us? Why do you light your lamp? Why do you rise early? Why do you write so many books, that no one of us may be deceived about the gods and believe that they take care of men; or that no one may suppose the nature of good to be other than pleasure?
For if this is so, lie down and sleep, an