Do not so much be ashamed of that disgrace which proceeds from men's opinion as fly from that which comes from the truth.
The life which is implicated with fortune (depends on fortune) is like a winter torrent: for it is turbulent, and full of mud, and difficult to cross, and tyrannical, and noisy, and of short duration.
In banquets remember that you entertain two guests, body and soul: and whatever you shall have given to the body you soon eject: but what you shall have given to the soul, you keep always.
It is a shame for those who sweeten drink with the gifts of the bees, by badness to embitter reason which is the gift of the gods.
As a goose is not frightened by cackling nor a sheep by bleating, so let not the clamour of a senseless multitude alarm you.
Check your passions, that you may not be punished by them.
It is not poverty which produces sorrow, but desire.
As it is pleasant to see the sea from the land, so it is pleasant for him who has escaped from troubles to think of them.
If you seek truth, you will not seek by every means to gain a victory; and if you have found truth, you will have the gain of not being defeated.
A fool having enjoyed good fortune like intoxication to a great amount becomes more foolish.
What is due to the state pay as quickly as you can, and you will never be asked for that which is not due.
The reproach of a father is agreeable medicine, for it contains more that is useful than it contains of that which gives pain.
Those who are well constituted in the body endure both heat and cold: and so those who are well constituted in the soul endure both anger and grief and excessive joy and the other effects.
Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue.
What we ought not to do, we should not even think of doing.
As a wolf resembles a dog, so both a flatterer and an adulterer and a parasite resemble a friend. Take care then that instead of watch dogs you do not without knowing it let in mischievous wolves.
Give of what you have to strangers and to those who have need: for he who gives not to him who wants, will not receive himself when he wants.
You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself.
EPICTETUS, Encheiridion
Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren't a child anymore.... The longer you wait, the more you'll be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better. From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.
EPICTETUS, The Art of Living
If I can acquire money and also keep myself modest and faithful and magnanimous, point out the way, and I will acquire it.
EPICTETUS, The Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion and Fragments
The vine bears three bunches of grapes: the first is that of pleasure, the second of drunkenness, the third of violence.
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