Principle 01Dichotomy of ControlOne of the most important ideas in Stoicism is the distinction between what we can control and what we cannot.
Principle 02Desire and AversionEpictetus warns that desire and aversion can easily make our lives miserable if they are directed at the wrong things.
Principle 05Judgment Disturbs UsEpictetus teaches that events themselves do not disturb us; our judgments about them do.
Principle 20Examine AppearancesEpictetus teaches that what disturbs us is not the event itself, but the interpretation we attach to it.
Principle 28Train Your MindEpictetus asks why we guard our body more carefully than our mind, reminding us not to let insults or criticism control our inner state.
Principle 34Control Your ReactionsEpictetus teaches that a simple pause can protect us from acting on harmful impulses.
Principle 40Guard Your MindThis passage reflects its historical setting, but its core warning remains relevant: when people are valued mainly for appearance or pleasure, character is neglected.