7 Epictetus Quotes to Keep You Steady Through Life’s Storms
A fountain of timeless wisdom from the ancient world
Born a slave, Epictetus had an insatiable hunger to learn. Recognizing his keen intellect, his master Epaphroditus bought him books and recommended him to the Stoic teacher, Musonius Rufus.
Epictetus flung himself into his studies and, in gratitude for his master, worked diligently. Later, when he was freed, he set up his own school to teach Stoicism.
“He not only preached but also lived and breathed Stoicism.”
Stoicism is a philosophy that had and continues to have a wide appeal. This is thanks to its simple principles for better living that you can adopt irrespective of your situation or standing in life.
The Stoic philosophers themselves came from different walks of life — a Roman Emperor, a playwright, a water carrier, a wealthy merchant, a senator, and a slave to name a few.
What made Epictetus exemplary among them was that he not only preached but also lived and breathed Stoicism.
Being banished a couple of years after starting his school didn’t deter him. He continued to teach and live the Stoic way. He died soon after, but his teachings and works have…
