From the Enchiridion (“Handbook”), the short summary of Epictetus’s teaching made by his student Arrian, in Thomas W. Higginson’s translation. Numbers are sections.
“There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power.”Enchiridion 1
Know the difference, and put your effort where it counts.
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.”Enchiridion 5
Change the view and you change the distress.
“Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.”Enchiridion 8
Accepting what is frees you to act.
“Never say of anything, “I have lost it,” but, “I have restored it.””Enchiridion 11
Everything we have is on loan.
“Begin therefore with little things.”Enchiridion 12
Train on small troubles before big ones.
“If you would improve, be content to be thought foolish and dull with regard to externals.”Enchiridion 13
Growth needs freedom from others’ opinions.
“Remember that you are an actor in a drama of such sort as the Author chooses.”Enchiridion 17
Play your part well; the part is not yours to choose.
“Remember that it is not he who gives abuse or blows, who affronts, but the view we take of these things as insulting.”Enchiridion 20
Insult needs your agreement.
“He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.”Enchiridion 33
Disarm criticism with humour.
“Everything has two handles: one by which it may be borne, another by which it cannot.”Enchiridion 43
Pick up each situation by the handle that helps.
“Never proclaim yourself a philosopher, nor make much talk among the ignorant about your principles, but show them by actions.”Enchiridion 46
Live it; don’t lecture it.
These circulate widely under the same name, but don’t hold up:
More famous misquotes: Quotes They Never Said
