What is Epictetus Most Famous Quote?
Epictetus (pronounced “Epic-Teet-Us”), a Greek Stoic philosopher whose teachings appear in The Enchiridion, is most famous for his quote “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” This quote, deeply rooted in the principles of Stoicism, underscores the importance of listening over speaking, advocating for a life of observation and understanding rather than one dominated by personal expression.
The Epictetus quotes below have transcended time, becoming a guiding principle about topics such as control, life and freedom. His teachings are often a reminder that, the key to learning and personal growth lies not in the abundance of our own words, but in the attention and consideration we give to the words of others. Epictetus, with his simple yet profound quotes, captures the essence of Stoic philosophy, which champions the cultivation of personal virtues and the pursuit of inner peace through understanding and accepting the world as it is.
A List of the Top 10 Epictetus Stoic Quotes
“If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.”
“You become what you give your attention to.”
“If you wish to improve, be content to appear foolish or stupid.”
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
“If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be beautiful.”
“Don’t explain your philosophy, embody it.”
“If you need a witness to your virtue, be your own.”
“Devote the rest of your life to making progress.”
“Don’t just say that you’ve read books. Show that through them you’ve learned to think better.”
“It’s not things that upset us, but our judgments about things.”
Other Famous Epictetus Quotes on Life, Control, Freedom & More
“Circumstances don’t make a man, they only reveal him to himself.”
“Don’t set your heart on so many things, and you will get what you need.”
“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”
“I cannot escape death, but I can escape the fear of it.”
“Welcome events in whichever way they happen, this is the path to peace.”
“The more we value things outside of our control, the less control we have.”
“Keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
“A man should so live that his happiness shall depend on as little as possible from external things.”
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
“Seek not good in external things, seek it in yourselves.”
“When you’re properly grounded in life, you don’t need to look outside of yourself for approval.”
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.”
“Do not grieve for the things which you have not, but rejoice for those which you have.”
“Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen.”
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
“No matter what happens, it is within my power to turn it to my advantage.”
“If you have a favorite cup, remember that it is only a cup. If it breaks, you can bear it.”
“We must undergo a hard winter training, and not rush into things for which we haven’t prepared.”
“I must be put in chains. Must I then also lament?”
“What ought one to say then as each hardship comes? I was practicing for this, I was training for this.”
“Look for help and harm exclusively from yourself.”
About Epictetus and the Stoic Philosophy Quotes from “The Enchiridion” and “Discourses”
Epictetus, born around 50 AD, was a Greek Stoic philosopher whose teachings have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Epictetus was born into slavery, and it was this unique perspective that greatly influenced his philosophical outlook. His most significant works, “Discourses” and “The Enchiridion” (or “The Manual”), offer a practical guide to living a life aligned with Stoic principles. In these texts, Epictetus didn’t focus on abstract theories but rather on practical ethics, emphasizing Stoicism as a way of life.
In “Discourses,” a series of informal lectures recorded by his student Arrian, Epictetus presents a detailed account of Stoic philosophy. Central to his teachings is the concept that while we cannot control external events, we can control our perceptions and reactions to them. This idea is a cornerstone of Stoic thought and is reflected throughout his teachings. Epictetus also emphasized the importance of personal discipline and self-examination. He believed that the path to happiness lies in understanding the natural order of the world, accepting it, and living in harmony with it. His teachings encourage individuals to focus on what is within their power – their thoughts, impulses, and desires – and to let go of what is beyond their control.
“The Enchiridion,” a short manual of Epictetus’s teachings compiled by Arrian, distills the core ideas of his philosophy into practical precepts. This work is particularly focused on the application of philosophy to daily living, emphasizing endurance, self-control, and the importance of personal freedom and responsibility. Epictetus’s guidance in “The Enchiridion” is direct and pragmatic, advocating for a life of virtue, where one’s happiness is dependent not on external possessions or status but on the cultivation of personal ethics and inner strength. His teachings in both “Discourses” and “The Enchiridion” have resonated through the centuries, influencing countless individuals seeking a philosophy grounded in resilience, tranquility, and the wise management of life’s challenges.
