Epictetus Epictetus

Epictetus Epictetus Quotes

Stoic philosopher and former slave · 1 quotes with meaning

Around 50 CE, a boy was born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia. His mother was a slave. He had no name of his own, so people called him Epictetus, which simply means acquired. Sold young, he was sent to Rome to serve Epaphroditus, a rich freedman who worked as secretary to Emperor Nero.

How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?

Epictetus Epictetus

Opening line of Enchiridion 51, compiled by Arrian from Epictetus's lectures in Nicopolis around 125 CE. Popularized by Sharon Lebell's The Art of Living.

I was a slave when I first asked this question of myself. A man owned my body, chose my food, broke my leg. He never reached the place where I set my standards. The thing you keep putting off reaches nowhere either, unless you let it. Stop waiting for a better day. The day you demand the best is the day you start getting it.

Last updated: May 2026

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