Epictetus

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."

"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things beyond our control."

"Remember that you are an actor in a play, and the character assigned you by the playwright is yours to perfect."

"The proof of sound instruction is not eloquence, but the transformation of the student's character."

"When you are about to lose your temper at someone, remember that you too are often in the wrong."

"The starting point of philosophy is the recognition that we are enslaved by false judgments."

"Your worth is not determined by your possessions but by your character."

"What would have become of Hercules if there had been no difficult and challenging obstacles?"

"God has made me free; do you think He would allow His own son to be enslaved?"

"The first step toward the love of learning is the awareness of our ignorance."

"Bad character is the real poverty."

"When you confront an adversary, do not ask yourself if he is stronger or weaker, but if your cause is just."

"Learn to live as simply as the poor without feeling degraded by it."

"Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it comes, then we do not exist."

"The greatest compliment ever paid me was when one asked what I meant, and I had to confess there was nothing meant at all."

"Waste no time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."

"If you wish to improve, be content to appear foolish and stupid regarding externals."

"Just as a person bathing is not harmed by the water, so the truly virtuous are not harmed by the world."

"The key to success is this: treat people exactly as you want to be treated."

"Nature has given us ears not to determine what is true, but to understand our place in the universe."

"Some things are within our control, but many are not; therein lies our freedom."

"When you encounter a great fortune, be neither elated nor depressed."

"The person who makes a great display of their learning is like a calf that has just begun to kick."

"Illness is not an impediment to the truly wise, nor is poverty, nor is exile."

"I must die. But must I die groaning? I must be imprisoned. But must I be imprisoned protesting?"

"Ask yourself, are you content that the universe has arranged things according to providence?"

"Your body is a temporary vessel; your character is eternal."

"The art of living consists in discerning what is within our power and what is not."

"When you say you are anxious about the future, you are assuming control you do not possess."

"Every person is capable of transforming their life through disciplined practice."