The Enchiridion

There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power.

Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.

Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.

If you would improve, be content to be thought foolish and dull with regard to externals.

Remember that you are an actor in a drama of such sort as the Author chooses—

Be not elated at any excellence not your own.

In every affair consider what precedes and what follows, and then undertake it.

Upon every accident, remember to turn toward yourself and inquire what faculty you have for its use.

When, therefore, anyone provokes you, be assured that it is your own opinion which provokes you.

Never proclaim yourself a philosopher, nor make much talk among the ignorant about your principles, but show them by actions.

A man’s master is he who is able to confer or remove whatever that man seeks or shuns.

The will of nature may be learned from things upon which we are all agreed.

Now the things within our power are by nature free, unrestricted, unhindered; but those beyond our power are weak, dependent, restricted, alien.

Do not desire to be thought to know anything; and though you should appear to others to be somebody, distrust yourself.

You can be unconquerable if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own power to conquer.

You must cultivate either your own reason or else externals; apply yourself either to things within or without you—that is, be either a philosopher or one of the mob.

To understand nature, and follow her.

Therefore, at the same time that we lie, we are very ready to show how it is demonstrated that lying is wrong.

It is the action of an uninstructed person to reproach others for his own misfortunes; of one entering upon instruction, to reproach himself; and one perfectly instructed, to reproach neither others nor himself.

Do not yearn in desire toward it, but wait till it reaches you.

Be content, then, in everything, with being a philosopher; and if you wish to seem so likewise to anyone, appear so to yourself, and it will suffice you.

It is enough if everyone fully performs his own proper business.

Consider first, man, what the matter is, and what your own nature is able to bear.

When you have fully considered all these things, approach, if you please—that is, if, by parting with them, you have a mind to purchase serenity, freedom, and tranquillity.