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Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.
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“Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.”

Epictetus

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Source
Enchiridion
Date
c. 125
English wording
George Long — Translator · from Ancient Greek
Meaning

Meaning of “Men are disturbed not by the things which…”

Epictetus separates an event from the judgment placed on it, making interpretation a practical point of leverage.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Enchiridion 5 in George Long’s translation; the passage distinguishes events from the opinions that disturb us.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

Acceptance Quotes About Reality, Limits & ChangeAngerAttitudeCalmCourage Quotes About Acting Despite FearDiscipline Quotes About Habits, Practice & ConsistencyFearInner PeaceLetting Go Quotes About Release & Moving ForwardMindMindfulnessMoving OnPatiencePeacePresent MomentSelf-Control Quotes About Restraint & JudgmentShortStoicStrengthBeliefLife Goes OnOpinion
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The mind is its own place.
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“The mind is its own place.”

John Milton · Paradise Lost · 1667
Voice: Poetic speaker · Satan
Meaning & context

The statement emphasizes how mental framing can alter the experience of circumstances, for good or ill.

Source details

Paradise Lost (1667), Book I, line 254; retained legacy short extract from the fuller Satan sentence beginning ‘The mind is its own place’ and continuing into line 255. It is the same underlying passage as the longer catalog record, not a separate fifth passage.

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It is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into thyself.
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“It is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into thyself.”

Marcus Aurelius · Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus · c. 170
Meaning & context

A person can create an inward pause even when external conditions are noisy, using reflection to restore order before returning to action.

Source details

Meditations, Book IV, in George Long’s translation; this is the central clause of the retreat passage.

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