Epictetus
Stoic philosopher, former slave
Ancient
influential
203 sayings
Sayings by Epictetus
If you want to be rich, do not seek to increase your possessions, but to decrease your desires.
c. 108 AD
— Fragment 140, collected by Stobaeus
Shocking
Unverifiable
It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows.
c. 108 AD
— Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 17
Shocking
Confirmed
Do not be surprised if you are sometimes troubled by external things; for it is not the things themselves that trouble you, but your judgment about them.
c. 108 AD
— Enchiridion, Chapter 5
Shocking
Unverifiable