The Art of Living - passages

 Just yesterday I was taking a look at some of the notes I had written on Stoic philosophy and came across some passages I had copied from Epictetus' Art of Living. Hopefully these passages are a useful reminder of some of the eternal wisdom of life. 

First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.

Some things are within our control, and some things are not. 

Never place the blame on others, but on our own attitudes. One of the signs of moral progress is the gradual extinguishing of blame.

Never depend on the admiration of others.

Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them to.

The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. Prudent people look beyond the incident itself and seek to form the habit of putting it to good use. Remember to turn inward and ask what resources you have for dealing with it. 

Take great care with what you have while the world lets you have it. 

Begin at once a program of self-mastery. Start modestly, with the little things that bother you.

There is no need to yearn, envy, and grab.

Always give and impeccable performance at whatever you do.

All events contain an advantage if you look for it.

Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self.

If you want to live a wise life, live it on your own terms and in your own eyes.

Worry and dread are a waste of time and do not set a good example for others.

It is always our choice whether or not we wish to pay the price for life’s rewards.

Think things through and fully commit, unless we fully give ourselves over to our endeavors, we are hollow, superficial people and we never develop our natural gifts. 

Proper preparation for the future consists of forming good habits.

Follow through on all your generous impulses.

Explicitly identify the kind of person you aspire to become. 

Avoid making idle promises.

Keep company with people who uplift you. Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an example yourself.

Take care of your body. Give your body excellent care to promote its health and well being. Give it everything it absolutely requires, including healthy food and drink, dignified clothing, and a warm and comfortable home.

Don’t be afraid of verbal abuse and criticism. Only the morally weak feel compelled to defend or explain themselves to others. Let the quality of your deed speak on your behalf.

One of the best ways to elevate your character immediately is to find worthy role models to emulate.

Favor long term satisfaction over short term gratification.

Accept challenges, this is how we progress to the next level of intellectual, physical, moral development.

Your possessions should be proportionate to the needs of your body.

Your troubles lie not in the pursuit itself, but how you pursue it.

Human betterment is a gradual two-step forward, one-step back effort.

The really worthwhile things are the virtuous activities that make up the happy life.