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True instruction is this:—to learn to wish that each thing should come to pass as it does.
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“True instruction is this:—to learn to wish that each thing should come to pass as it does.”

Epictetus

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Source
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus
Date
c. 125
English wording
Hastings Crossley — Translator and arranger · from Ancient Greek
Meaning

Meaning of “True instruction is this:—to learn to wish that…”

Stoic instruction begins by reducing the conflict between reality and demand, leaving judgment and action to work with what actually occurs.

Source context

Where does it come from?

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, saying XXVI, Hastings Crossley translation.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

Acceptance Quotes About Reality, Limits & ChangeAngerCalmDiscipline Quotes About Habits, Practice & ConsistencyInner PeaceInspirational Quotes About Hope, Courage & PossibilityLetting Go Quotes About Release & Moving ForwardMindfulnessMoving OnPatiencePeacePositive Quotes About a Constructive OutlookPresent MomentSelf-Control Quotes About Restraint & JudgmentShortStoicStrengthWisdom Quotes About Judgment & Living WellLife Goes OnTeacher
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Source identified
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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