It is not things in themselves which trouble us, but our opinions of things.

To adorn our characters by the charm of an amiable nature shows at once a lover of beauty and a lover of man.

Asked, Who is the rich man? Epictetus replied, �He who is content.

You are but an appearance, and not absolutely the thing you appear to be.

Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an exemplar yourself.

Nothing outside the will can hinder or harm the will; it can only harm itself. If then we accept this, and, when things go amiss, are inclined to blame ourselves, remembering that judgment alone can disturb our peace and constancy, I swear to you by all the gods that we have made progress.

Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, and desires and the demons that distract us from these goals. Outside of our control are such things as what kind of body we have, whether or not we are born into wealth, and how we are regarded by others.