Discourses and Selected Writings (Classics)

by Epictetus

If your body was turned over to just anyone, you would doubtless take exception. Why aren’t you ashamed that you have made your mind vulnerable to anyone who happens to criticize you, so that it automatically becomes confused and upset?

You have to care either for your mind or for material things; specialize in what is within you or without – which is to say, you have to stick to the role of philosopher or layman.

Another person will not hurt you without your cooperation; you are hurt the moment you believe yourself to be.

Settle on the type of person you want to be and stick to it, whether alone or in company.

Let silence be your goal for the most part; say only what is necessary, and be brief about it.

If you learn that someone is speaking ill of you, don’t try to defend yourself against the rumours; respond instead with, ‘Yes, and he doesn’t know the half of it, because he could have said more.’

In your conversation, don’t dwell at excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Just because you enjoy recounting your exploits doesn’t mean that others derive the same pleasure from hearing about them.

As with impressions generally, if you get an impression of something pleasurable, watch yourself so that you are not carried away by it.

If you decide to do something, don’t shrink from being seen doing it, even if the majority of people disapprove. If you’re wrong to do it, then you should shrink from doing it altogether; but if you’re right, then why worry how people will judge you?

Never identify yourself as a philosopher or speak much to non-philosophers about your principles; act in line with those principles.

Pay no attention to whatever people might say; this no longer should influence you.

How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself, and trust reason to determine what is best?

You’re not yet Socrates, but you can still live as if you want to be him.