The Most Important Stoic Quote: Epictetus' Enchiridion

If we had to determine one quote throughout the entire library of Stoic literature, the first section of Epictetus’ Enchiridion would provide a great foundation for action and continued reading. The passage analyzes what is in our control and what is out of our control, and by making this determination, we can act (or think) accordingly. The philosophy of stoicism continues to grow in today’s world so hopefully a single quote can inspire those with busy lives to try and devote some time to further reading.

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Stoicism, stoic, philosophy, stoic philosophy, philosopher, epictetus, marcus aurelius, seneca, zeno, enchiridion, quote

[Eternalised]

the stoic dichotomy of control was literally life-changing when I first encountered it!

[robertanastase]

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius really got me into stoicism and has definitely changed my life and the way i look at things.

[TheLivingPhilosophy]

Great stuff! I love your engagement with it and questioning of the philosophy and its modern application. This question of mental health and stoicism is something I've thought about a lot because it really doesn't seem trivial to me that we can control our thoughts and feelings so it was great to hear you explore. Also Big Lebowski + Stoicism = gold

[jacqslabz]

One of the best best modern treatments for things like dperession is CBT, which is largely just repackaged Stoicism. It's one of those things that get complicated. Many disorders rise from trauma, and while that isn't something under direct obvious control, that does render a person powerless. You have to break it down into parts. Like the common tennis match example.

[owlnyc]

Dichotomy of control and what we can try to influence, change. 🤔

[CaptainSofa]

I once fell in love with stoicism. The more I read Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius the more I came to absolutely reject it. Strangely enough, this first chapter of the Enchiridion, defines what is most ridiculous to me about it. The dichotomy of control… as if I could logically decide how I felt.

[SuccessMindset]

Epictetus got free from slavery by controling his emotions