Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. Born into slavery, he became one of the most influential Stoic teachers, emphasizing that philosophy is a way of life.
"It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
"No man is free who is not master of himself."
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."
"Freedom is the only worthy goal in life."
"Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it."
"How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?"
"Man is disturbed not by things, but by views of things."
"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish."
"Make the best use of what is in your power."
"Do not seek for events to happen as you wish."
"Only the educated are free."
"No great thing is created suddenly."
"Seek not the good in external things."
"Circumstances do not make the man."
"We have two ears and one mouth."
"The greater the difficulty, the more glory."
"Practice yourself in little things."
"Freedom is secured by self-control."
"Don’t hope events will turn out the way you want."
"Small things are small only to the small-minded."
"If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home."
"Nothing great is produced suddenly."
"Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior."
"The price of freedom is discipline."
"First learn the meaning of what you say."
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you."
"Make use of what is in your power."
"It is impossible to learn what you think you already know."
"Don’t seek that events happen as you wish."