Epictetus was a slave of the Roman empire but once freed began to teach philosophy. He was a Greek stoic philosopher who taught that philosophy is a way life and not just theoretical discipline. He felt that all external event were beyond our control and should accept whatever happens.
While he had no philosophical writings, his devoted pupil, and historian, Flavius Arrian published “The Discourses of Epictetus.” This is a major source for understanding the ancient Hellenistic Stoic philosophy.
Use these Epictetus quotes to take control of your life and begin to trust the Universe:
“The flourishing life cannot be achieved until we moderate our desires and see how superficial and fleeting they are.”
Are you in control of your desires or do they control you? Make sure your life is fully aligned with your goals and vision so you can live in peace and harmony.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” — Epictetus
Speak less and listen more. The world is a loud place and negativity seems to always be the loudest. Listen more so you can learn how to change the world with your voice.
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” ” — Epictetus
The world is filled with uncertainty and negative events regardless of who you are. The only thing that matters is your reaction to events.
The more you work on yourself the more likely you will react positively to situations in life.
“First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.” — Epictetus
Achieving your dreams starts by constantly speaking them into reality. Once you know what you are working towards go all in. Take action on a regular basis so you can show the universe that you aren’t quitting until you make it happen.
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” — Epictetus
The more you worry about things out of your control the more you will suffer. Life is too short to spend in a negative, suffering state.
Control what you can and let go of the rest. Once you do this you will have more happiness than you have ever experienced before.
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. ” — Epictetus
If your closest five people aren’t helping you they are hurting you. Choose to surround yourself with people who light up your soul.
Your inner circle should motivate, inspire, and challenge you to be your best version of yourself.
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus Quotes
This is the definition of gratitude. Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. The more grateful you are, the more you will attract things you can be grateful for into your life.
“Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.” — Epictetus Quotes
Sometimes, the universe has a different way of packaging your dreams. Accept how you are rewarded and you will experience true happiness.
“Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.” – Epictetus Quotes
Don’t put your entire self worth behind a single wish or outcome.
Life is as complex as it is beautiful, sometimes the things that go wrong lead us in an entirely new direction in which we never would of travelled. Ending up in a much better place.
Be calm, have faith and never give up. Your worst days may be the beginning of your best.
Use these Epictetus quotes to be grateful for all that you have in life. Start trusting yourself and the Universe. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Once you make a decision the universe is conspiring to help you make it happen.”