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
We start to realize that there are anodynes in life that help us through the day. I don't care if it's a walk in the park, a look out the window, a good bubble bath - whatever. Even a meal you like, or a friend you want to call. That helps us solve all this stuff in our head.
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Surely it is a sin to reject the few gifts we are given. Be happy in the flash of time granted to us or hurt forever.
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I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist. Or something like that. I think wanting that is very morbid, but I want it when I get like this. That’s why I’m trying not to think. I just want it all to stop spinning.
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Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied.
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I reached for sleep and drew it round me like a blanket muffling pain and thought together in the merciful dark
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One thing I am convinced more and more is true, and that is this: The only way to be truly happy is to make others happy. When you realize that and take advantage of the fact, everything is made perfect.
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