10 Stoic Quotes on Finding Purpose

  • “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” — Epictetus

  • “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” — Seneca

  • “The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.” — Epictetus

  • “Don't put your purpose in one place and expect to see progress made somewhere else.” — Epictetus

  • “As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” — Seneca

  • “Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It's not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.” — Seneca

  • “When you find your direction, check to make sure that it is the right one.” — Epictetus

  • “Everything - a horse, a vine - is created for some duty... For what task, then, were you yourself created?” — Marcus Aurelius

  • “There is no enjoying the possession of anything valuable unless one has someone to share it with.” — Seneca

  • “I cannot call somebody ‘hard-working’ knowing only that they read and write. Even if ‘all night long’ is added, I cannot say it – not until I know the focus of all this energy.” — Epictetus