Q0022

“Of things, some are in our power, and some are not.” — Epictetus (Enchiridion 1)

Verified English quotation. Primary source: Enchiridion 1. Theme: freedom.

English

Of things, some are in our power, and some are not.
Thinker Epictetus
School Stoicism
Source Enchiridion 1
Theme Freedom
Another quotation More from this thinker

Source and attribution

The archive attributes this English wording to Enchiridion 1 and files it under Stoicism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.

About Epictetus

Epictetus (c. 50–c.

How to read this passage

Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, wisdom.

Concepts in this quote

Freedom
Freedom is among the most searched and most contested themes in philosophy: what it is to choose, to be responsible, and to live without illegitimate constraint.
Wisdom
Wisdom is practical insight under uncertainty: knowing what matters, what one does not know, and how to act without false certainty.

How to cite this quotation

APA: Epictetus. (n.d.). Of things, some are in our power, and some are not. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0022

MLA: Epictetus. “Of things, some are in our power, and….” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0022.

Chicago: Epictetus. “Of things, some are in our power, and….” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0022.

Frequently asked questions

What is the source of the quotation “Of things, some are in our power, and…”?

The passage is attributed to Epictetus, Enchiridion 1. The archive attributes this English wording to Enchiridion 1 and files it under Stoicism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.

What does Epictetus mean by freedom?

Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, wisdom.

Explore Epictetus on freedom

Same thinker

More from Epictetus

  1. It is not things that disturb people, but their judgments about things.
  2. With whatever delights you, remind yourself of its nature — then if it is lost, you will not be disturbed.
  3. Remember that you are an actor in a play, of such a kind as the playwright may choose.
  4. The beginning of philosophy is a consciousness of one's own weakness and inability concerning necessary things.
  5. Do not seek for things to happen as you wish, but wish for things to happen as they do, and you will flow well.

All quotations by Epictetus

Same theme

More on freedom

  1. It is through wonder that people both now begin and first began to philosophize.
  2. A person's character is their destiny.
  3. What is opposed brings together; from what differs comes the finest harmony.
  4. Death is nothing to us: for what has been dissolved has no sensation, and what has no sensation is nothing to us.
  5. Pleasure is the beginning and end of the happy life — not the pleasures of profligates, but freedom from pain in the body and from disturbance in the soul.

Browse the freedom theme