# 186
The Stoic Philosopher Epictetus, in 55 BC, said the following:
“Do not seek to have everything that happens happen as you wish, but wish for everything to happen as it actually does happen, and your life will be serene.”
I recently listened to someone describe how disturbed they became each time they drove into their neighborhood and saw something that was not to their liking. The person went into great detail about the emotional distress this caused. I couldn’t help thinking about this quote from Epictetus. Obsession over situations that are out of our control is a waste of energy, not only that, but it will eventually kill us.
Material on this site is presented in chronological order. The Archive link above presents content by subject.