Epictetus is blunt that describing a practice is not the same as having one. The line about never calling yourself a philosopher is followed, in the original, by an image about sheep not bringing the shepherd grass to prove they have eaten.
Lay down for yourself, at the outset, a certain stamp and type of character for yourself, which you are to maintain whether you are by yourself or are meeting with people.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 33
It is difficulties that show what men are.
Epictetus, Discourses I.24
The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations VI.6
Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations X.16
On no occasion call yourself a philosopher, and do not, for the most part, talk among the laity about philosophical principles, but act in accordance with these principles.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 46
If anyone can refute me — show me I'm making a mistake or looking at things from the wrong perspective — I'll gladly change. It's the truth I'm after.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations VI.21
It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and to forget his own.
Cicero, Tusculan Disputations III.30
If a man knows not to which port he is sailing, no wind is favorable.
Seneca, Letters to Lucilius Letter 71
Remember that you are an actor in a play, the character of which is determined by the playwright: if short, of a short one; if long, of a long one. If he wishes you to act the part of a poor man, see that you act the part naturally.
Epictetus, Enchiridion 17
Just as a man is no use without his physician, so philosophy is of no use without correctness of life.
Musonius Rufus, Lectures III
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