Epictetus quotes
50 – 135 · Roman Empire, 1st–2nd century AD · Stoic philosopher and teacher; former slave
About Epictetus
Born in Hierapolis (Phrygia), Epictetus spent part of his life enslaved in Rome before gaining freedom and teaching stoic ethics in Nicopolis. His teachings were recorded by his student Arrian as practical guides for moral training focused on what lies within our control.
Works: Enchiridion and Discourses (both recorded by Arrian)
Quotes
“It is not things that trouble us, but our judgments about things.”
Source: Enchiridion, 5 (c. early 2nd century AD) · Check the source
Verified attributionWhat we know
- What is documented
- The statement appears in Enchiridion 5, a handbook compiling Epictetus' teachings as recorded by his student Arrian.
Epictetus teaches that disturbance arises from how we appraise events, not from events themselves. This practical claim — central to the Enchiridion — hands you back control: change your judgments and you change your experience.