"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will"
- Epictetus
About this Quote
Epictetus, a Greek theorist, thought that joy can just be attained by concentrating on things that are within our control and releasing worries over things that are beyond our control. This quote stresses the value of understanding the power of our own will and accepting the constraints of that power.
The Stoic philosopher thought that human beings are responsible for their own feelings which it is within their power to pick to accept or turn down external occasions. He taught his students to concentrate on today and accept life as it is, instead of constantly seeking joy through external methods.
In this quote, Epictetus motivates us to stop fretting about things that we can not control, such as the weather, other people's ideas or actions, and the future. Rather, we must focus on things that we can control, such as our own ideas, our own actions, and our own mindsets.
In essence, the quote advises us that real joy comes from within and depends upon our own viewpoint, rather than external scenarios. By letting go of fret about unmanageable circumstances, we can focus on what we can manage and find happiness and contentment in the present minute.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"