Contents
- Epictetus Quotes on Happiness
- Epictetus Quotes on Self-Control
- Epictetus Quotes on Courage
- Epictetus Quotes on Friendship
- Epictetus Quotes on Life
- Epictetus Quotes on Death
Epictetus was a Greek philosopher who lived in the first and second centuries AD. He is best known for his teachings on Stoic philosophy, which emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature and accepting life’s hardships. His quotes are full of wisdom and inspiration, and can be applied to our lives today. Epictetus was a Greek philosopher who lived in the first century AD. His teachings focused on personal ethics and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of living a virtuous life. In this collection of quotes from Epictetus, we see his wisdom and inspiration shine through.One quote that stands out is 'It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.' This reminds us that we have control over our reactions to situations, even if we can't control the situation itself.Another powerful quote is 'Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.' This speaks to the idea that true happiness comes from being content with what we have rather than constantly striving for more.If you're looking for more wisdom and inspiration, check out these other collections of quotes: Pg Wodehouse Quotes and Best of Charlie Rose .

Epictetus Quotes on Happiness
Epictetus believed that true happiness comes from within. He said, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” He also said, “No man is free who is not master of himself.” These quotes remind us that we have the power to choose how we respond to life’s challenges, and that we can find happiness even in difficult times.

Epictetus Quotes on Self-Control
Epictetus believed that self-control was essential for living a good life. He said, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” He also said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” These quotes remind us to be mindful of our words and actions, and to focus on the positive.

Epictetus Quotes on Courage
Epictetus believed that courage was essential for living a good life. He said, “It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.” He also said, “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” These quotes remind us to be brave in the face of adversity, and to take action to achieve our goals.

Epictetus Quotes on Friendship
Epictetus believed that friendship was essential for living a good life. He said, “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” He also said, “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.” These quotes remind us to surround ourselves with people who bring out the best in us, and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Epictetus Quotes on Life
Epictetus believed that life was a journey of self-discovery. He said, “It is not what we have, but what we enjoy, that makes happiness.” He also said, “First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” These quotes remind us to be mindful of our words and actions, and to focus on the things that bring us joy.
Epictetus Quotes on Death
Epictetus believed that death was a part of life. He said, “Death is nothing else but a release from the present life, and a passage into another.” He also said, “It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.” These quotes remind us to accept death as a natural part of life, and to focus on living life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Epictetus’ quotes are full of wisdom and inspiration. They remind us to be mindful of our words and actions, to accept life’s hardships, and to focus on the things that bring us joy. By applying his teachings to our lives, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.
For more information on Epictetus and his teachings, please visit Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy .
FAQ
- Q: Who was Epictetus?
A: Epictetus was a Greek philosopher who lived in the first and second centuries AD. He is best known for his teachings on Stoic philosophy. - Q: What did Epictetus believe about happiness?
A: Epictetus believed that true happiness comes from within. He said, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” - Q: What did Epictetus believe about self-control?
A: Epictetus believed that self-control was essential for living a good life. He said, “No man is free who is not master of himself.” - Q: What did Epictetus believe about courage?
A: Epictetus believed that courage was essential for living a good life. He said, “It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.” - Q: What did Epictetus believe about friendship?
A: Epictetus believed that friendship was essential for living a good life. He said, “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” - Q: What did Epictetus believe about life?
A: Epictetus believed that life was a journey of self-discovery. He said, “It is not what we have, but what we enjoy, that makes happiness.” - Q: What did Epictetus believe about death?
A: Epictetus believed that death was a part of life. He said, “Death is nothing else but a release from the present life, and a passage into another.”
Table of Epictetus Quotes
Quote | Topic |
---|---|
It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. | Happiness |
No man is free who is not master of himself. | Self-Control |
It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death. | Courage |
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. | Friendship |
It is not what we have, but what we enjoy, that makes happiness. | Life |
Death is nothing else but a release from the present life, and a passage into another. | Death |
Conclusion
Epictetus’ quotes are full of wisdom and inspiration. They remind us to be mindful of our words and actions, to accept life’s hardships, and to focus on the things that bring us joy. By applying his teachings to our lives, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.