updated 19h ago
Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics)
Nothing great comes into being all at once, for that is not the case even with a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me now, ‘I want a fig,’ I’ll reply, ‘That takes time.’ Let the fig tree first come into blossom and then bring forth its fruit, and then let the fruit grow to ripeness. [8] So if even the fruit of a fig tree doesn’t come to maturit
... See morefrom Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
you. If you wish it, you are free; if you wish it, you’ll find fault with no one, you’ll cast blame on no one, and everything that comes about will do so in accordance with your own will and that of God.
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
what have they made you accountable for? Only for what lies within your power, the right use of your impressions. [35] Why do you charge yourself, then, with things for which you’re not accountable? You’re merely creating trouble for yourself.
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
What does that mean, thieves and robbers? That they’ve fallen into error with regard to what is good and bad. Should we be angry with them, then, or merely feel pity for them? [4] Just show them where they’ve gone wrong, and you’ll see how they desist from their faults; but if they fail to see it, they have nothing better to depend upon than their
... See morefrom Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
as soon as anyone begins to consider such questions, assessing and comparing the values of external things, he comes near to being one of those people who have lost all sense of their proper character.
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
You have been given such a body, such parents, such brothers, such a country, and such a post within it, and then you come to me and say, ‘Change my task.’ What, don’t you have the resources to able to deal with that which has been given to you?
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
It is towards death, then, that our confidence should be directed, and towards the fear of death our caution;
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
it isn’t death or pain that is frightening, but the fear that we feel in the face of death or pain.
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago
What is the fruit, then, of these teachings? Precisely what must be finest and most fitting for those who have received a true philosophical education, namely, peace of mind, fearlessness, and freedom.
from Discourses, Fragments, Handbook (Oxford World's Classics) by Epictetus
Justin Reidy added 5mo ago