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Epictetus was lame. According to some accounts, his master broke both Epictetus’ legs for no reason.
To achieve freedom and happiness, you need to grasp this basic truth: some things in life are under your control, and others are not.
Select carefully what you want to choose and what you want to refuse. Be disciplined and detached while making the choice.
When you blame others for your negative feelings, you are being ignorant. When you blame yourself for your negative feelings, you are making progress. You are being wise when you stop blaming yourself or others.
How do you train yourself not to be anxious? Start with small things. For example, you have spilled something on the carpet or something small is stolen from you. Say to yourself, “This is such a small price to pay for tranquility and peace of mind.”
For you, every sign is auspicious, if you want it to be that way. Whatever happens, you can derive benefit from it.
When someone provokes you, if you respond with anger or some other negative emotion, your mind is tricked into believing you are being harmed. So it is essential not to respond to impressions impulsively. Take some time before reacting. You will see you are in better control.
You compromise your integrity when you seek outside approval. Be satisfied that you live up to your rational principles. Be your own witness if you need one.
If you can make money remaining honest, trustworthy, and dignified, by all means do it. But you don’t have to make money if you have to compromise your integrity.
He has the lettuce but you still have the money.
No one can hurt you unless you let them. You are hurt the moment you believe you are.
If you want to influence your friends, do it by your example.
Avoid fraternizing with people who don’t share your values. Prolonged association with those with false ideas can only tarnish your thinking.
Avoid trying to be funny.
Don’t brag about the principles you follow in life. Don’t even mention them to others. Instead, act according to those principles. In social situations, do not tell others how to behave.
Sheep don’t bring their owners grass to show how much they ate. Instead, they digest it and produce milk and wool.
You are not a child anymore; you are fully grown. Don’t be lazy and give excuse after excuse. If you continue to do this, your lack of progress may be hidden but, in the end, you will have lived a mediocre life.
Decide that you are an adult, and you are going to devote the rest of your life to making progress. Stick closely to what is best. If you are distracted by pleasure or pain, glory or disrepute, realize that the time is now. The game has started and waiting any further is not an option. Win or lose will be decided today.
