Desire Quote by Epictetus
![“Don’t you want to be free of all that? [33] ‘But how can I do it?’ You’ve often heard how – you need to suspend desire completely, and train aversion only on things within your power. You should dissociate yourself from everything outside yourself – the body, possessions, reputation, books…” quote by Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e35/epictetus-413_desire_don-t-you-want-to-be-free-of-all-that-33_2718024.jpg)
““Don’t you want to be free of all that? [33] ‘But how can I do it?’ You’ve often heard how – you need to suspend desire completely, and train aversion only on things within your power. You should dissociate yourself from everything outside yourself – the body, possessions, reputation, books, applause, as well as office or lack of office. Because a preference for any of them immediately makes you a slave, a subordinate, and prone to disappointment.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Enchiridion, 1st century AD
Complete detachment from external possessions prevents slavery to desire and disappointment.
In simple terms: Let go of external cravings.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner freedom.
Themes
philosophy
stoicism
self‑control
Mood
calm
instructive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership training
- mental health practice
Key Concepts
detachment
desire management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance desire and freedom?
- What external ties are essential?
A Different Perspective
Total renunciation can be unrealistic for daily life.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
