Ifs Quote by Epictetus
“If someone irritates you, it is only your own response that is irritating you. Therefore, when anyone seems to be provoking you, remember that it is only your judgment of the incident that provokes you. -”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Discourses of Epictetus, c. 108 AD
We control our reactions, not external events; irritation stems from our judgments, not others' actions.
In simple terms: Your reaction, not the other person, causes irritation.
Key Takeaway
Observe and adjust your judgment.
Themes
self‑control
perception
emotional intelligence
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conflict at work
- traffic jam
- family disagreement
- online debate
- customer service
Key Concepts
Stoicism
cognitive appraisal
Questions to Reflect On
- What judgment am I making right now?
- How can I reframe this situation?
A Different Perspective
It can be hard to notice automatic judgments in the moment.
