Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Don't let someone else's unnatural behavior become your problem. You weren't made to feel depressed or unhappy because of what others do. You were made to be happy with them. If someone is miserable, remember that their misery is their own fault. God made everyone to be happy and free from worry. He gave us the tools for this. Some things belong to each person. Other things don't belong to them. Some things can be blocked, forced, or taken away — these don't truly belong to anyone. But the things that can't be hindered — those belong to you. And your understanding of good and evil? God made that yours too. He did this because he cares for us and protects us like a father.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 280 of 388
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Let not that which in another is contrary to nature be an evil to you; for you are not formed by nature to be depressed with others nor to be unhappy with others, but to be happy with them. If a man is unhappy, remember that his unhappiness is his own fault; for God has made all men to be happy, to be free from perturbations. For this purpose he has given means to them, some things to each person as his own, and other things not as his own; some things subject to hindrance and compulsion and deprivation; and these things are not a man's own; but the things which are not subject to hindrances, are his own; and the nature of good and evil, as it was fit to be done by him who takes care of us and protects us like a father, he has made our own.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 280 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

And who can force you not to accept what seems true? No one. So you see there's something in you that's naturally free. But what about wanting something or avoiding it? What about moving toward something or away from it? What about getting ready to do something or planning to do it? Can any of you do these things without first getting an impression that something is helpful or right? No. So in these areas too, you have something that can't be blocked and is free. You miserable people, work on this. Take care of this. Look for what's good here.

Discourses, About Cynicism 279 of 388
Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

And who can compel you not to assent to that which appears true? No man. By this then you see that there is something in you naturally free. But to desire or to be averse from, or to move towards an object or to move from it, or to prepare yourself, or to propose to do anything, which of you can do this, unless he has received an impression of the appearance of that which is profitable or a duty? No man. You have then in these things also something which is not hindered and is free. Wretched men, work out this, take care of this, seek for good here.

Discourses, About Cynicism 279 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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