Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.
EpictetusRead
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness comes from letting go of worries over things we cannot control.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, teaches that true happiness can only be achieved when we stop worrying about circumstances that are beyond our control. By focusing our thoughts and efforts only on what we can influence, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and find contentment in the present moment.
Themes
HappinessWorryControlStoicismEpictetus
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about mental health, one might share this quote to encourage listeners to focus on what they can control.
More from Epictetus
All quotes →Learn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.
EpictetusRead
Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.
EpictetusRead
Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.
EpictetusRead
The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
EpictetusRead
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
EpictetusRead
Similar quotes
As long as you live keep smiling because it brightens everybody's day.
Vin ScullyRead
Happiness, in the ancient, noble sense, means self-fulfillment—and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God … bestowed upon them.
Leo RostenRead
I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them, or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment—what is this, then? I do not ask any more delight—I swim in it, as in a sea.
Walt WhitmanRead
In the end, you're trying to find God. That's the result of not being satisfied. And it doesn't matter how much money, or property, or whatever you've got, unless you're happy in your heart, then that's it. And unfortunately, you can never gain perfect happiness unless you've got that state of consciousness that enables that.
George HarrisonRead
Pay close attention to the particular thoughts you use to deprive yourself of happiness.
Byron KatieRead
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
Marcus AureliusRead