Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

You must root out two things from people: arrogance and distrust. Arrogance is thinking you need nothing — that you're not lacking anything. Distrust is thinking you can't be happy because so many things are working against you. You eliminate arrogance by proving it wrong. Socrates was the first to practice this. To know that happiness is not impossible, investigate and search for it. This search won't harm you. In fact, this searching is what philosophy is — figuring out how to want and avoid things without being blocked.

Discourses, Certain Miscellaneous Matters 252 of 388
Knowing Yourself Calm Your Mind
Epictetus — The Slave Original

You must root out of men these two things, arrogance (pride) and distrust. Arrogance then is the opinion that you want nothing (are deficient in nothing); but distrust is the opinion that you cannot be happy when so many circumstances surround you. Arrogance is removed by confutation; and Socrates was the first who practised this. And (to know) that the thing is not impossible inquire and seek. This search will do you no harm; and in a manner this is philosophizing, to seek how it is possible to employ desire and aversion ([Greek: echchlisis]) without impediment.

Discourses, Certain Miscellaneous Matters 252 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

Bad actors in tragedies can't sing by themselves. They need a whole group around them. Some people are like this — they can't walk around alone. But you, if you're worth anything, should be able to walk by yourself and talk to yourself. Don't hide in the crowd. Take some time to examine yourself. Look around. Wake yourself up. Figure out who you are.

Discourses, Certain Miscellaneous Matters 251 of 388
Knowing Yourself Freedom & Control
Epictetus — The Slave Original

As bad tragic actors cannot sing alone, but in company with many, so some persons cannot walk about alone. Man, if you are anything, both walk alone and talk to yourself, and do not hide yourself in the chorus. Examine a little at last, look around, stir yourself up, that you may know who you are.

Discourses, Certain Miscellaneous Matters 251 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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