The Enchiridion
by Epictetus
"The Enchiridion" by Epictetus is a manual of practical ethical guidance based on Stoic philosophy. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, advocating for acceptance of external circumstances while focusing on personal virtue and rationality. The text encourages readers to cultivate inner peace through self-discipline and a commitment to living in accordance with nature.
10 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Enchiridion, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
No man is free who is not master of himself.
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
It's not things that upset us, but our judgments about things.
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.
He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.
Don't seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish for everything to happen as it does happen.
The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.
First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.