Wisdom from Epictetus: Insights on Life and Philosophy
Introduction
Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, left a lasting impact on the world with his teachings on life, philosophy, and the pursuit of happiness. Although he did not write any books himself, his student Arrian diligently took notes during his lectures, which were later compiled into several books, including Discourses, The Art of Living, and The Manual and Enchiridion. In this blog post, we will explore some of Epictetus' most profound and thought-provoking quotations.
Quotations from Epictetus
"If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, 'He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.'"
This quote reminds us not to be overly concerned with the opinions and judgments of others. Epictetus encourages us to focus on our own self-improvement and not let the words of others define us. Instead of trying to justify or defend ourselves, we should recognize that everyone has their own flaws and biases, and their negative opinions may not reflect the truth about who we are.
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."
In a world often driven by materialism and the pursuit of wealth, Epictetus offers a refreshing perspective. He suggests that true wealth lies not in accumulating vast possessions, but in cultivating contentment and reducing our desires. By embracing simplicity and focusing on what truly matters, we can find greater fulfillment and happiness in life.
"Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it."
This quote emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with our beliefs and values. It's not enough to merely talk about our philosophical or moral principles; we must actively embody them in our actions and behaviors. Epictetus encourages us to lead by example and let our actions speak louder than words. By living according to our principles, we inspire others and create a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion
Epictetus' wisdom continues to resonate with people around the world, offering timeless insights into how we can lead more fulfilling lives. His teachings remind us to focus on self-improvement, cultivate contentment, and live in alignment with our values. By embracing these principles, we can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and find true happiness and fulfillment.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.