By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus was born into slavery around 50 CE. He gained his freedom while still a young man, and began teaching in Rome, until the Roman emperor Domitian expelled all philosophers from the city. Undeterred, Epictetus founded a school of philosophy in Greece, where his teachings became widely admired. He lived a frugal life with very few belongings, and his primary concerns were integrity, self-management, and personal freedom. Epictetus believed external possessions — including glory and power — are beyond our control, and we only have power over those things within us, such as our opinions, impulses, and desires. As he said, “The good that ought to be the object of our earnest pursuit, is to be found only within ourselves.”

13 Quotes To Challenge You To Rethink Your Preconceived Notions

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Truman Capote

13 Quotes To Help You Move On From Past Loves

12 Quotes Every Stubborn Person Needs To Read

13 Hilarious Lines From History’s Funniest Poets

Quotes To Help You Tap Into Your Inner Strength

20 Quotes for Coffee Lovers

13 Hilariously Relatable Quotes From ‘Garfield’

12 Quotes About Making Big Changes Later in Life

Quotes About Plants for Those With and Without Green Thumbs

Comforting Quotes About Dealing With the Loss of a Mother