It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. - Epictetus
Inspirational quote of the day by Epictetus.
Many unexpected and difficult obstacles will turn up in your life. How you react to it will determine if you overcome them or not.
Rather than lamenting your misfortune, see it as an opportunity to adapt, learn something new, and grow as a person. Success becomes sweeter when you overcome your challenges.
Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived from approximately 55 CE to 135 CE. Born a slave, the lowest rung of social hierarchy, he faced the prospect of a harsh life with minimal living standards. Epictetus shifted his focus on what he could control - his thoughts, beliefs and actions, and immersed himself in the study of philosophy. His owner recognised the potential for greatness in his slave, and granted him freedom. Epictetus became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers.
A modern day example is that of the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawkin. Hawking faced the devastating diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21 which lead to the loss of muscle control. He was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, unable to move or to speak. The doctors gave him a grim prognosis, estimating that he had only a few years to live.
Despite the physical challenges, Hawkin was able to communicate with a speech generating device that allowed him to select words and phrases by moving a muscle in his cheek. Hawkin lived to the ripe old age of 76 and made significant contributions to our understanding of black holes, the nature of the universe, and the concept of Hawking radiation. His ability to contribute to the scientific community despite his severe physical constraints is a testament to his resilience and determination.
