Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

You can be unconquerable if you only fight battles you can actually win. So when you see someone with high honors, power, or great reputation, don't be fooled by appearances. Don't call them happy. If what's truly good comes from things you control, then there's no reason to be envious or try to compete with them. For yourself, don't try to become a general, senator, or consul. Try to be free instead. The only way to freedom is to stop caring about things you can't control.

The Enchiridion, Section 19 22 of 70
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

You can be unconquerable if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own power to conquer. When, therefore, you see anyone eminent in honors or power, or in high esteem on any other account, take heed not to be bewildered by appearances and to pronounce him happy; for if the essence of good consists in things within our own power, there will be no room for envy or emulation. But, for your part, do not desire to be a general, or a senator, or a consul, but to be free; and the only way to this is a disregard of things which lie not within our own power.

The Enchiridion, Section 19 22 of 70
Epictetus — The Slave

When a raven croaks and it seems like a bad omen, don't get carried away by how things appear. Think clearly and say, "This means nothing for me — not for my body, my stuff, my reputation, my kids, or my spouse. For me, every sign is a good sign if I choose to see it that way. Whatever happens, I can find a way to benefit from it."

The Enchiridion, Section 18 21 of 70
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Epictetus — The Slave Original

When a raven happens to croak unluckily, be not overcome by appearances, but discriminate and say, “Nothing is portended to _me_, either to my paltry body, or property, or reputation, or children, or wife. But to _me_ all portents are lucky if I will. For whatsoever happens, it belongs to me to derive advantage therefrom.”

The Enchiridion, Section 18 21 of 70
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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