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love and turn away from negativity and blame.”
in essence, focusing on what is within our power and letting go of everything we can’t control.
“When you are feeling upset, angry, or sad,” Epictetus said, “don’t blame another for your state of mind. Your condition is the result of your own opinions and interpretations.”
Within our power are our own opinions, aims, desires, dislikes—in sum, our own thoughts and actions.
If you wish to have peace and contentment, release your attachment to all things outside your control. This is the path of freedom and happiness.
desire, for now it is best to avoid it altogether.
People are not disturbed by things themselves, but by the views they take of those things.
remain steadfast in pursuing your mission, always willing to shed distractions.
Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things.
Lameness may strike your leg, but not your resolve.
Sickness may weaken your body, but not your determination—unless
Each time an obstacle arises, remind yourself of this truth. While it may hinder some part of you, it cannot constrain your true self.
If you meet temptation, use self-control; if you meet pain, use fortitude; if you meet revulsion, use patience.
Accepting these annoyances is the price of my peace and tranquility. All good things come at a cost.”
When you desire something outside your sphere of power, you set yourself up for disappointment.
You cannot choose the era, nationality, family, and body into which you are born. But to act well in your given role—this is your sphere of power.
If you desire the virtues which are within your power, there is no room for envy or aping others. Instead of wishing to be a general, a congressman, or a celebrity, desire to be free. And the way to be free is to let go of anything that is not within your control.
Do not be fooled by how things first appear. With time and greater perspective, you can regain inner peace.
For your part, do not adopt any air of superiority. Mind your own business, keep busy with the work you are best suited for, and play well the part the Author has given you.
Find satisfaction in following your philosophy. If you want to be respected, start by respecting yourself.
So, if you have not been invited to a party, it is because you haven’t paid the price of the invitation. It costs social engagement, conversation, encouragement, and praise.
Evil is not a thing in itself but a missing of the mark, an arrow gone astray.
When you dwell on their words and let them dominate your thoughts, you make them your master.
Whatever your vocation, pursue it wholeheartedly. Consider, choose, and commit.
No one can steal your peace of mind unless you let them.
Refuse to participate in gossip—tearing down, inflating, and judging other people. Among friends, shift the conversation to worthy topics; among strangers, stay silent.
________ Black and white thinking may seem powerful in speeches and debates, but real life is mostly gray areas. It is rarely a question of good versus bad, but of weighing greater and lesser goods on a scale of values. At a feast, taking the largest helping may be good for your appetite, but sharing generously is good for the spirit of the celebration. In this case, honoring your hosts and fellow guests should be valued above sating your hunger.
Once you let your appetite exceed what is necessary and useful, desire knows no bounds.
Do not mistake your impressions for the whole truth.
Do not proclaim yourself a philosopher, or go around preaching your principles. Show them by example.
An ignorant person is one who is tossed about between elation and despair by external forces and events.
Do not worry if others criticize or laugh at you, for their opinions are not your concern.
Face every situation—promising pain or pleasure, glory or disgrace—with the courage of a soldier in battle. Approach life as your own Olympic Games—each action is important,
one movement can determine victory or defeat.
practical application of principles—being
Lead me, Fate, wherever you will, and I will cheerfully follow. For, even if I kick and wail, all the same I must follow. —Cleanthes Whoever yields to fate becomes wise, by learning the laws of heaven. —Euripides If it pleases the gods, let it be. —Socrates They may kill me, but they cannot hurt me. —Socrates
