Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Go greet someone. How should you do it? Without being servile or pathetic. But what if they shut you out? Well, you haven't learned to climb through windows. When you find the door closed, you either go back or find another way in. But still talk to them. How? Without groveling. But what if you don't get what you wanted from them? That was their choice to make, not yours. So why are you demanding something that belongs to someone else? Always remember what's yours and what belongs to others. Then you won't get upset.

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Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Go and salute a certain person. How? Not meanly. But I have been shut out, for I have not learned to make my way through the window; and when I have found the door shut, I must either come back or enter through the window. But still speak to him. In what way? Not meanly. But suppose that you have not got what you wanted. Was this your business, and not his? Why then do you claim that which belongs to another? Always remember what is your own, and what belongs to another; and you will not be disturbed.

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Epictetus — The Slave

A logical statement itself doesn't matter. But your judgment about it does matter — it's either knowledge, opinion, or error. Life itself is neutral. How you use your life is not neutral. When someone tells you that important things don't matter, don't get lazy. When someone tells you to worry obsessively about material things, don't become pathetic and amazed by stuff. It's good to know your own skills and abilities. In areas where you're not prepared, stay quiet. Don't get upset if others beat you there. You'll have the advantage over them in logic. If they get upset about that, comfort them by saying, "I learned this stuff, and you didn't." So when you need practical skills, don't demand immediate results. Let the experienced people handle it. Be content with having a strong mind.

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Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

The hypothetical proposition is indifferent: the judgment about it is not indifferent, but it is either knowledge or opinion or error. Thus life is indifferent: the use is not indifferent. When any man then tells you that these things also are indifferent, do not become negligent; and when a man invites you to be careful (about such things), do not become abject and struck with admiration of material things. And it is good for you to know your own preparation and power, that in those matters where you have not been prepared, you may keep quiet, and not be vexed, if others have the advantage over you. For you too in syllogisms will claim to have the advantage over them; and if others should be vexed at this, you will console them by saying, "I have learned them, and you have not." Thus also where there is need of any practice, seek not that which is acquired from the need (of such practice), but yield in that matter to those who have had practice, and be yourself content with firmness of mind.

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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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