Quotes about Epictetus

Seeing that our birth involves the blending of these two things—the body, on the one hand, that we share with animals, and, on the other hand, rationality and intelligence, that we share with the gods—most of us incline to this former relationship, wretched and dead though it is, while only a few to the one that is divine and blessed.

According to him the faculty of choice distinguishes humans from irrational animals. We can make considered choices among 'impressions' or 'appearances', meaning anything that comes within range of our senses, together with whatever thoughts and feelings these sensations evoke. While all animals are subject to impressions, those of humans differ by virtue of the fact that we possess the power of language and reason (both faculties expressed by the single word logos).

To pay homage to beauty is to admire Nature; to admire Nature is to worship God.

So in the field of assent you cannot be hindered or obstructed. 'Evidently.

impassivity and a good flow of life are not attained except through unerring desire and unfailing avoidance

well as the others, namely, the faculty of reason. Reason is unique among the faculties assigned

If I was a nightingale I would sing like a nightingale; if a swan, like a swan. But since I am a rational creature my role is to praise God.