The Stoic philosopher Epictetus was born a slave and died the most sought-after teacher in the ancient world.

Here are 12 rules he lived by...

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1. Only focus on what’s in your control

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control...”
2. Put every thought to the test

“Don’t let the force of the impression carry you away. Say to it, ‘hold up a bit and let me see who you are and where you are from—let me put you to the test’ . . .”
3. Always grab things by the right handle

“Every event has two handles—one by which it can be carried, and one by which it can’t. If your brother does you wrong, don’t grab it by his wronging...Instead, use the other—that he is your brother...hold the handle that carries.”
4. Choose not to be complicit in taking offense

"If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation."
5. Think of the reasons people are acting that way

“Whenever anyone assents to what is false, one may be sure that he does not willingly give his assent to falsehood but rather that what is false seemed to him to be true.”
6. Make beautiful choices

"If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be."
7. Devote your life to making progress

“Finally decide that you are an adult who is going to devote the rest of your life to making progress.”
8. Keep company with those who uplift you

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."
9. It’s not that you read but what you read

“I cannot call somebody ‘hard-working’ knowing only that they read...Even if ‘all night long’ is added, I cannot say it – not until I know the focus of all this energy...If their efforts aim at improving the mind...”
10. Don’t be afraid to look foolish

“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
11. Appreciate but don't need

“The important thing is to take great care with what you have while the world lets you have it.”
12. Don't wait to demand the best for yourself

“How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself?”
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More from @dailystoic

23 Jul
50 (short) rules for life from the Stoics…

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1. Focus on what you can control.

2. You control how you respond to things. 

3. Ask yourself, “Is this essential?” 

4. Meditate on your mortality every day.

5. Value time more than money/possessions.
6. You are the product of your habits.

7. Remember you have the power to have no opinion.

8. Own the morning.

9. Put yourself up for review (Interrogate yourself).

10. Don’t suffer imagined troubles.
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