Contentment is a fortress no one takes.
Epictetus, Fragment 138
The source
"Contentment is a fortress no one takes." Epictetus said it in Fragment 138. Translated by George Long, 1877.
"Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress"George Long, 1877, Fragment 138. Ancient fragment attributed to Epictetus; authenticity disputed, so credit as "attributed to Epictetus".
Who said it
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Born enslaved, became the most influential Stoic teacher of his age. His student Arrian wrote down the Discourses and the Enchiridion.
Questions
- Who said "Contentment is a fortress no one takes."?
- Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Fragment 138.
- What is the original wording?
- Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress (George Long, 1877). Translated by George Long, 1877.
Filed under Calm.
Wear Epictetus
Don't wish it went your way. Want it the way it goes, and flow.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 8
from$46
Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 43
from$46
I'll never be Milo. I still train.
Epictetus, Discourses 1.2.37
from$46
A calm mind is a citadel.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.48
from$46
More from Epictetus
- Some things are yours. Some aren't. Sort them first.Enchiridion 1
- To every scary thought: you're an appearance, not the real thing.Enchiridion 1
- Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do.Enchiridion 5
- Rookies blame others. Learners blame themselves. Masters blame no one.Enchiridion 5
- Don't wish it went your way. Want it the way it goes, and flow.Enchiridion 8
- Never say "I lost it." Say "I gave it back."Enchiridion 11