On Wisdom

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

— Epictetus

Enchiridion 13

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

— Epictetus

Attributed

Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.

— Epictetus

Discourses 3.1

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

— Epictetus

Discourses 2.17

He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.

— Epictetus

Attributed

Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.

— Epictetus

Fragments

Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.

— Epictetus

Fragments

Does a man bathe quickly? Do not say that he bathes badly, but quickly. Does a man drink much wine? Do not say that he does this badly, but much.

— Epictetus

Enchiridion 45

He who has a body subject to many weaknesses lacks no better aid than philosophy.

— Musonius Rufus

Lectures 8

For philosophy is the study of what is honorable, of what is just.

— Musonius Rufus

Lectures 4