Epictetus (55 – 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey) and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion.
Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are beyond our control; we should accept calmly and dispassionately whatever happens. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline.[Wikipedia]
Below is his quotes from ancient time but still impress me nowaday:
1. Never depend on the admiration on others. There is no strength in it. Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source.
2. Fortify yourself with moderation, for this is an impenetrable fortress.
3. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your stregths. Remain steadfast and one day you will build something that endures: something worthy of your potential.
4. The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.
5. Seek not the good in external things; seek in yourselves.
6. It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.
7. No man is free who is not a master of himself.
8. When you are offended at any man's faults, turn to yourself and study your own failings, then you will forget your anger.
9. 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.
Giang Tran