- Sometimes I call a thing good, and sometimes bad. What is the reason?... Ignorance and inexperience. [Epictetus, D2.3]
- You continue to live here, as you are used to; or you go away of your own free will; or you die... What else is there besides these? So be cheerful. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.12]
- Those who are careless about their own morality cannot endure seeing the same in others. [Seneca, A1.28]
- As human beings, we are born to be faithful to one another ... whoever denies this denies their humanity. [Epictetus, D2.4]
- Where you are now is like any other place. All things here are the same as on the mountain top, on the seashore, or wherever you choose to be. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.23]
- We have other people’s vices before our eyes, and our own behind our backs. [Seneca, A1.28]
- Externals are not in my power. Choice is. [Epictetus, D2.5]
- What is my ruling faculty to me? What am I making of it now? What am I using it for? [Marcus Aurelius, M10.24]
- Most of us are not angry with sins but only with the sinner. [Seneca, A1.28]
- We can be obstructed or compelled only in matters over which we have no control. These are neither good nor bad, because they are not based on our choices. [Epictetus, D2.5]
- It is the law [of the universe] which assigns every creature its due. So, to give in to grief, fear, or anger is to become a fugitive. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.25]
- The ultimate cure for anger is delay. [Seneca, A1.29]
- Whoever has given you food and property can take them back, and your body too. Accept what you are given and work on it. [Epictetus, D2.5]
- Bear this in mind always. All the life of today is a repetition of the past, and it will repeat in the future. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.27]
- Some things that make us angry, we learn from others...We shouldn’t be quick to believe what others tell us. [Seneca, A1.29]
- Don’t you realize that just as a foot is no longer a foot when detached from the body, you are not a human being when you are detached from humanity? [Epictetus, D2.5]
- Everything has to submit to what happens, but only rational beings are given the power to follow what happens voluntarily. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.28]
- Some people lie to deceive us, and others say things because they themselves are deceived. [Seneca, A1.29]
- We are given such a body as ours, in such a universe as ours, and in such a community as ours. Therefore, what happens to us is unavoidable. It is for you to step forward and deal with these things as best as you can. [Epictetus D2.5]
- Whatever you do, ask yourself every step of the way, “Am I afraid of death because I might lose this?” [Marcus Aurelius, M10.29]
- Do you condemn your friend offhand? Are you angry with him before you hear his story? [Seneca, A1.29]
- Life is indifferent; but the use we make of it is not. [Epictetus, D2.5]
- When you are offended by someone’s behaviour, turn around and ask why you have acted like that. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.30]
- What can be more unjust than to believe a story told in secret, and to be angry about it publicly? [Seneca, A1.29]
- If you control your desires and aversions, there is nothing to worry about. This is your opening statement, your case, and your proof. [Epictetus D2.2]
- When you see anyone, think of their counterparts. Where are they now? Nowhere. Or no one knows where. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.31]
- Maybe it is a good person who has wronged you. Don’t believe it. Maybe it is a bad person. Don’t be surprised. [Seneca, A1.30]
- When something involves practical training, don’t pretend you have the skill if you don’t have it yet, but yield to those who do. Be content to remain calm and composed. [Epictetus, D2.5]
- Once things change, they cease to exist forever. Then why struggle and strain? Why not be content to live your short life in the right way? [Marcus Aurelius, M10.31]
- What is there to wonder if bad people commit harmful acts? [Seneca, A1.31]
- Take responsibility for what belongs to you, not for what belongs to others. [Epictetus, D2.5] D: Discourses. M: Meditations. A: On Anger
Books
The Stoic Gym publishes books on Stoicism and Plain English modern versions of the ancient Stoic writings. You can get the following books free right now.
The Stoic Magazine
THE STOIC is a free full-color online monthly magazine. It is free four our subscribers.