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.”
14 Quotes on the Meaning of Racial Equity
Quotes To Help You Live a More Spontaneous Life
13 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Quotes You’ve Never Heard Before
16 Enduring Quotes About Everlasting Love
11 Quotes To Help a Friend Through a Tough Time
13 Hilariously Relatable Quotes From ‘Garfield’
13 Hilarious Lines From History’s Funniest Poets
Leonardo da Vinci’s Advice for a Fulfilling Life
Get Inspired To Give Back With These Quotes
The Oldest Jokes in History
20 Quotes for Coffee Lovers