--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The essence of philosophy is that a man…" description: "\"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.\" — Epictetus" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg" --- # The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live… ![“The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” quote by Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg) > “The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Happiness should depend minimally on external circumstances, focusing on inner virtue. **In simple terms:** Seek happiness within, not outside. Key Takeaway Prioritize inner virtue. Themes happiness virtue detachment Mood calm reflective Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - daily routines - financial setbacks - relationship issues Key Concepts stoicism ethics Questions to Reflect On - What external factor challenges your inner peace? - How can you reinforce inner values? A Different Perspective External events can still impact mood despite inner focus. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) ## Related quotes > [the essence of philosophy is not the possession of the truth but the search for truth. ... Philosophy means to be on the way.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-jaspers/the-essence-of-philosophy-is-not-the-possession-of-the-truth-but-the/) [Karl Jaspers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-jaspers/) > [I think my opinion of Hollywood must stem from my own, philosophy as a man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sterling-hayden/i-think-my-opinion-of-hollywood-must-stem-from-my-own-philosophy-as-a/) [Sterling Hayden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sterling-hayden/) > [“It is always a foolish thing to contemplate suicide; for no matter how dark the future may appear today, tomorrow may hold for us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-rice-burroughs/it-is-always-a-foolish-thing-to-contemplate-suicide-for-no-matter-how/) [Edgar Rice Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-rice-burroughs/) > [“Many people strive for success in order to find happiness when, in fact, the inverse is true. Strive for happiness and you shall find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-maraboli/many-people-strive-for-success-in-order-to-find-happiness-when-in/) [Steve Maraboli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-maraboli/) > [“Dreams you sow, happiness shall you reap.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrmn/dreams-you-sow-happiness-shall-you-reap/) Vikrmn > [In the path of our happiness shall we find the learning for which we have chosen this lifetime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-bach/in-the-path-of-our-happiness-shall-we-find-the-learning-for-which-we/) [Richard Bach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-bach/) > [it may not always be so; and i say that if your lips, which i have loved, should touch another's, and your dear strong…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/e-e-cummings/it-may-not-always-be-so-and-i-say-that-if-your-lips-which-i-have/) [e. e. cummings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/e-e-cummings/) > [God was happy without humans before they were made; he would have continued happy had he simply destroyed them after they had sinned; but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/god-was-happy-without-humans-before-they-were-made-he-would-have/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It is not so much what we get out of life as what we put into it that determines how large our returns of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-c-lockwood/it-is-not-so-much-what-we-get-out-of-life-as-what-we-put-into-it-that/) [Frank C. Lockwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-c-lockwood/) > [Beyond the grave they will find nothing but death. But we shall keep the secret, and for their happiness we shall allure them with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fyodor-dostoevsky/beyond-the-grave-they-will-find-nothing-but-death-but-we-shall-keep/) [Fyodor Dostoevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fyodor-dostoevsky/) > [O kindle the fire of happiness ! Therein I shall see The door of friendliness, The room of greatness And the palace of godness.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sri-chinmoy/o-kindle-the-fire-of-happiness-therein-i-shall-see-the-door-of/) [Sri Chinmoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sri-chinmoy/) > [Without philosophy man cannot know what he makes; without religion he cannot know why.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-gill/without-philosophy-man-cannot-know-what-he-makes-without-religion-he/) [Eric Gill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-gill/) > [“Be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/be-a-philosopher-but-amidst-all-your-philosophy-be-still-a-man/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [Those who possess that treasure which no thief can take away, Which, though on suppliants freely spent, increaseth day by day, The source of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bhartrhari/those-who-possess-that-treasure-which-no-thief-can-take-away-which/) [Bhartrhari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bhartrhari/) > [I am persuaded that I shall obtain the highest amount of present happiness, I shall do most for God’s glory and the good of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-murray-m-cheyne/i-am-persuaded-that-i-shall-obtain-the-highest-amount-of-present/) [Robert Murray M'Cheyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-murray-m-cheyne/) ## More by Epictetus > [“We are at the mercy of whoever wields authority over the things we either desire or detest. If you would be free, then, do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/we-are-at-the-mercy-of-whoever-wields-authority-over-the-things-we/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/practice-yourself-for-heaven-s-sake-in-little-things-and-then-proceed/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/do-not-laugh-much-or-often-or-unrestrainedly/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [When men are unhappy, they do not imagine they can ever cease to be so; and when some calamity has fallen on them, they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/when-men-are-unhappy-they-do-not-imagine-they-can-ever-cease-to-be-so/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [We are not disturbed by what happens to us, but by our thoughts about what happens to us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/we-are-not-disturbed-by-what-happens-to-us-but-by-our-thoughts-about/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Don't be prideful with any excellence that is not your own](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/don-t-be-prideful-with-any-excellence-that-is-not-your-own/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [You know yourself what you are worth in your own eyes; and at what price you will sell yourself. For men sell themselves at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/you-know-yourself-what-you-are-worth-in-your-own-eyes-and-at-what/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/crows-pick-out-the-eyes-of-the-dead-when-the-dead-have-no-longer-need/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [As a man, casting off worn out garments taketh new ones, so the dweller in the body, entereth into ones that are new.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/as-a-man-casting-off-worn-out-garments-taketh-new-ones-so-the-dweller/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [If you would improve, submit to be considered wihout sense and foolish with respect to externals. Wish to be considered to know nothing; and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/if-you-would-improve-submit-to-be-considered-wihout-sense-and-foolish/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [“For it is not death or pain that is to be feared, but the fear of pain or death.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/for-it-is-not-death-or-pain-that-is-to-be-feared-but-the-fear-of-pain/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [What else can I do, a lame old man, but sing hymns to God? If I were a nightingale, I would do the nightingale's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/what-else-can-i-do-a-lame-old-man-but-sing-hymns-to-god-if-i-were-a/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [People are disturbed not by things, but by the view they take of them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/people-are-disturbed-not-by-things-but-by-the-view-they-take-of-them-2/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [“Small-minded people blame others. Average people blame themselves. The wise see all blame as foolishness”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/small-minded-people-blame-others-average-people-blame-themselves-the/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/all-philosophy-lies-in-two-words-sustain-and-abstain/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) [Explore all 577 Epictetus quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) ## More Happiness quotes > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Remember that your natural state is joy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-dyer/remember-that-your-natural-state-is-joy/) [Wayne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-dyer/) > [Balance suggests a perfect equilibrium. There is no such thing. That is a false expectation… There are going to be priorities and dimensions of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denise-morrison/balance-suggests-a-perfect-equilibrium-there-is-no-such-thing-that-is/) [Denise Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denise-morrison/) > [“WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE. WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/we-can-t-always-control-our-circumstances-but-we-can-control-our/) [MARVIN J. ASHTON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/) > [I can skate beautifully. While performing on ice I always try to please the audience and to win as well. Being artistic is very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evgeni-plushenko/i-can-skate-beautifully-while-performing-on-ice-i-always-try-to/) [Evgeni Plushenko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evgeni-plushenko/) > [Sometimes we wish for the feel but we never understand that we have to give a lot to get the feel !](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-reynolds/sometimes-we-wish-for-the-feel-but-we-never-understand-that-we-have/) [Robert Reynolds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-reynolds/) > [Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/sing-like-no-one-s-listening-love-like-you-ve-never-been-hurt-dance/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [“It was beautiful. He thought he had never seen anything so beautiful in all his life; that, having seen it, he could die content,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mira-grant/it-was-beautiful-he-thought-he-had-never-seen-anything-so-beautiful/) [Mira Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mira-grant/) > [The happy have whole days,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colley-cibber/the-happy-have-whole-days/) [Colley Cibber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colley-cibber/) > [I have observed this in my experience of slavery, - that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/i-have-observed-this-in-my-experience-of-slavery-that-whenever-my/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [I've got nothing to do today but smile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-ve-got-nothing-to-do-today-but-smile/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Her dignity consists in being unknown to the world; her glory is in the esteem of her husband; her pleasures in the happiness of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-jacques-rousseau/her-dignity-consists-in-being-unknown-to-the-world-her-glory-is-in/) [Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-jacques-rousseau/) > [The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-size-of-a-man-s-understanding-might-always-be-justly-measured-by/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative, more happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/positive-thinking-evokes-more-energy-more-initiative-more-happiness/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [When you have a choice, choose happy!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pancho-barnes/when-you-have-a-choice-choose-happy/) Pancho Barnes [Browse all 40,288 Happiness quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Epictetus" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man-should-so-live-that-his/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Happiness" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man-should-so-live-that-his/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/48a/epictetus-413_happiness_the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man_960735.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible…” — Epictetus", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Epictetus", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The essence of philosophy is that...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man-should-so-live-that-his/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/the-essence-of-philosophy-is-that-a-man-should-so-live-that-his/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```