Happiness and freedom said Epictetus, begins with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control and some things are not.Epictetus was a Greek philosopher, born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phygia in 55AD and lived in Rome until he was banished and went to Nicopolis in Greece where he stayed until his death in 135AD.
He believed that philosophy is a way of life and not just some theoretical discipline.
There's more about Epictetus here but the man also said. He's a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices in those which he has...
That is such a familiar scenario!.
ReplyDeleteHello! Judging by the date on this blog you live in tomorrow. Neat trick! I understand the principal but it's still a neat trick!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a simple & straight forward idea, I can see why it's lasted all these years.-
"Happiness and freedom said Epictetus, begins with a clear understanding of one principle.
Some things are within your control and some things are not."
Thank you for bringing that to my attention! I will go & see about expanding my education...
That's why the 'World can't End today' it's already tomorrow in NZ
ReplyDeleteWonderful isn't it. We're always a day ahead...
DeleteI'll bet he's thinking: "I wish I had a new iPad instead of this stone tablet. Then those Greeks would respect me..."
ReplyDeleteGood to see that he at least had leisure time for Croquet in between his slave duties.
Good to see you're back on form Mr Smartey...
DeleteNo doubt Epictetus' philosophical mind set was formed in his mature years when his youth could be used as a point of reference after he had made plenty of mistakes like all of us. We learn that peace is better than war, love is better than hate, less is more. Hey, we all become philosophers as we age but to find contentment through what we learned is the real deal. Epictetus can teach us a thing or two.
ReplyDeleteAnd we can all learn from each other.
DeleteThanks Suzy. Well said...
He said, among many other truths - "To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete."
ReplyDeleteIt might take a lifetime for my education to be complete but it's good to have a goal! Thanks for the reminder of a man who spoke wisely through the hard path to get there.