"Of Human Freedom" by Epictetus is a Stoic philosophical text that explores the concept of freedom and the role of personal agency in living a virtuous life. Here are some of the best quotes from Epictetus' "Of Human Freedom":
1. "Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control."
2. "No man is free who is not a master of himself."
3. "Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire."
4. "It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death."
5. "Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions."
6. "He is free who lives as he likes; who is not subject to compulsion, to restraint, or to violence; whose pursuits are unhindered, his desires successful, his aversions unincurred."
7. "The only freedom you truly have is the freedom of thought, and anyone can exercise that."
8. "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."
9. "If you wish to be free, make yourself free. For as you will allow no man to hinder you from being chaste, so be not hindered to live as free a life as you will."
10. "Freedom is the name of virtue; slavery, of vice."
These quotes encapsulate Epictetus' teachings on the nature of freedom, emphasizing the importance of inner mastery, self-discipline, and aligning one's desires with reason. They remind us that true freedom lies in our ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and actions, regardless of external circumstances.