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Freedom isn't getting what you want. It's not needing it.

Epictetus, Discourses 4.1.175

The source

"Freedom isn't getting what you want. It's not needing it." Epictetus said it in Discourses 4.1.175. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"οὐ γὰρ ἐκπληρώσει τῶν ἐπιθυμουμένων ἐλευθερία παρασκευάζεται, ἀλλὰ ἀνασκευῇ τῆς ἐπιθυμίας."

Original Greek, Discourses 4.1.175. Greek: Schenkl 1916 (Teubner) via Perseus.

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 "Freedom isn't getting what you want. It's not needing it."?
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Discourses 4.1.175.
What is the original Greek?
οὐ γὰρ ἐκπληρώσει τῶν ἐπιθυμουμένων ἐλευθερία παρασκευάζεται, ἀλλὰ ἀνασκευῇ τῆς ἐπιθυμίας. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

Filed under Character.

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