"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things"
- Epictetus
About this Quote
Epictetus' quote speaks with the concept that real happiness comes from within. He recommends that we ought to aim to live our lives in such a way that our joy is not depending on external aspects. This implies that we must not rely on product possessions, wealth, or other individuals to make us pleased. Instead, we must concentrate on cultivating our own inner peace and contentment. This could include developing a strong sense of self-regard, learning to appreciate the little things in life, and finding pleasure in today minute. Ultimately, Epictetus' quote motivates us to take obligation for our own joy and to acknowledge that it is something that we can develop for ourselves.