# First say to yourself what you would be; and then ... | Epictetus Quote

> Source: https://positivity.org/quotes/quote-epictetus-first-say-what-you-would-be

> First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

## What This Quote Means

Begin with a clear vision of who you want to become, then align your actions with that vision. Identity precedes action — decide who you are before deciding what to do.

## About Epictetus

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who was born into slavery and became one of the most influential teachers of philosophy.

Epictetus (50-135 AD) rose from slavery to become one of the most influential Stoic teachers, emphasizing personal freedom through mastery of one''s own mind.

## How to Apply This Wisdom

### Identity declaration

Write down the person you want to become in vivid detail.

### Action alignment

Check each major decision against your desired identity.

### Daily embodiment

Each morning, choose one quality of your ideal self to practice.

## Reflection Questions

- Who do I want to become, and are my daily actions moving me in that direction?

- What would the person I aspire to be do in my current situation?

- Is there a gap between who I say I want to be and what I actually do?

## More Quotes by Epictetus

> It''s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

> No man is free who is not master of himself.

> Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

> Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.

> Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.