Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 5
Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 5
The source
"Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do." Epictetus said it in Enchiridion 5. Translated by George Long, 1877.
"Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things"George Long, 1877, Enchiridion 5.
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 "Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do."?
- Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Enchiridion 5.
- What is the original wording?
- Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things (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
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Everything has two handles. Grab the one you can carry.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 43
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I'll never be Milo. I still train.
Epictetus, Discourses 1.2.37
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A calm mind is a citadel.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.48
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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
- 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
- You don't pick the role. You play it well.Enchiridion 17