most people

have nEver heard of Epictetus.
which is ironic.
beCause he understood freedom
better than anyone
who was ever free.
Epictetus was born a slave.
not metaphorically.
not philosophically.
an actual slave.
in ancient Rome.
owned by a man
named Epaphroditus.
his master
once twisted his leg
to test his pain tolerance.
Epictetus said calmly:
"you are going to break it."
he kept twisting.
it broke.
Epictetus said:
"did I not tell you
that you would break it?"
no rage.
no tears.
no begging.
just clarity.
because Epictetus
had all-ready understood
the only thing
that would keep him free
for the rest of his life:
there are things
within our control.
and things
outside our control.
your body can be owned.
your labor can be taken.
your freedom can be stripped.
but your response
to all of it —
that belongs
to no one
but you.
he was eventually freed.
opened a school of philosophy.
taught some of the most
powerful men in Rome.
Marcus Aurelius
kept his writings
on his bedside table.
the man who owned nothing
taught everything
to the man who owned everything.
Epictetus said:
"make the best use
of what is in your power
and take the rest
as it happens."
the LOVErse
has been whispering this
to you
your whole life.
you cannot control
what breaks.
only what you say
when it does. 🌹🌌⚡
what have you said
in your worst moment
that you are most proud of? 👇