Epictetus: Enchiridion, VIII
“Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”
Reflection
Not resignation — alignment. The wish that reality were otherwise is the part that exhausts you. What would today look like if you worked with it instead of against it?
Source record
- Author
- Epictetus
- Original source
- Enchiridion, VIII
- Original date
- c. 125 AD
- Edition used
- Trans. George Long, 1877 — public domain
Soul and Wisdom offers source-led reflection for adults 18+. It does not diagnose, treat, provide therapy, or offer crisis care.