The Enchiridion
By Epictetus
Written 135 A.C.E.
Translated by Elizabeth Carter
Rule
"Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions."
Rule
"Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things."
Rule
"Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well."
"You may be unconquerable, if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own control to conquer."
"Begin therefore from little things. Is a little oil spilt? A little wine stolen? Say to yourself, "This is the price paid for apathy, for tranquillity, and nothing is to be had for nothing." When you call your servant, it is possible that he may not come; or, if he does, he may not do what you want. But he is by no means of such importance that it should be in his power to give you any disturbance."
