We hope you enjoy this curated collection of quotes on Stoicism. We selected these Stoicism quotes because they express core concepts of not just the philosophy of Stoicism, but also of its practical application in everyday life.
Epictetus quotes on Stoicism
“Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
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“People are not disturbed by things themselves, but by the views they take of those things. People who are ignorant of philosophy blame others for their misfortunes. Those who are beginning to learn philosophy blame themselves. Those who have mastered philosophy blame no one.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. ”
― Epictetus
“Whenever a challenge arises, turn inward and ask what power you can exercise in this situation. If you meet temptation, use self-control. If you meet pain, use fortitude. If you meet revulsion, use patience.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
“Desire demands the attainment of that which you desire, and aversion demands the avoidance of that which you dislike. End the habit of despising things that are not within your power, and apply your aversion to things that are within your power.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
― Epictetus, The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life
Seneca quotes on Stoicism
“As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.”
― Seneca
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”
― Seneca
“You act like mortals in all that you fear, and like immortals in all that you desire.”
― Seneca
“If you live in harmony with nature you will never be poor; if you live according what others think, you will never be rich.”
― Seneca, Letters From A Stoic
“Nothing is burdensome if taken lightly, and nothing need arouse one’s irritation so long as one doesn’t make it bigger than it is by getting irritated.”
― Seneca, Letters From A Stoic
“We do not receive a short life, but we make it a short one, and we are not poor in days, but wasteful of them.”
― Seneca, On The Shortness Of Life
Marcus Aurelius quotes on Stoicism
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
“Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Check out our Books page for a curated collection of recommended books on mindfulness, Stoicism, and personal growth.
