"人并非被事件所影响，而是被他对事件的看法所影响。"

This idea boils down to how our perception shapes our experience of reality. It's not about what happens to us, but how we interpret and react to those events that really counts. Imagine you spill coffee on your shirt right before a big meeting. The event itself is neutral—it just happened. But your reaction to it, whether you laugh it off or let it ruin your day, is entirely up to you.

Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, is credited with this wisdom. The Stoics believed that we can't control the world around us, but we can control our responses. This quote encapsulates that philosophy perfectly. If you consider the history when Epictetus was alive—ancient Rome, a time of great uncertainty and upheaval—you can see why such a mindset could be so powerful. People needed a way to maintain inner peace despite external chaos.

Now, think about a real-life example. Let's say there's a guy named Tom who loses his job. That's a tough situation, no doubt. But Tom's view of the event will determine his future. If he sees it as a catastrophic failure, he might spiral into depression and hopelessness. On the other hand, if he views it as an opportunity—maybe this is his chance to finally start that business he’s always dreamed about—then this seemingly negative event transforms into a positive turning point in his life.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by being mindful of your reactions. When something happens, pause. Ask yourself, "How am I interpreting this?" If you catch yourself slipping into a negative mindset, try to reframe the situation. Look for the silver lining, or at the very least, a lesson you can learn. This doesn't mean ignoring or suppressing negative emotions, but rather not letting them dictate your overall outlook.

Here’s a relatable story to bring this home. Picture Sara, a high school student who dreams of getting into her top-choice university. She studies hard, but when the acceptance letters come out, she finds out she didn’t get in. Devastated, she initially feels like her world is ending. But then she remembers this quote. She takes a step back and reflects. Maybe this is a chance to explore other excellent universities she hadn’t considered. She decides to embrace the journey and finds a school that ends up being a perfect fit—one where she thrives academically and socially.

In essence, it’s all about mindset. Life throws curveballs at everyone. What sets people apart is not the number of curveballs but how they choose to swing at them. When you train yourself to approach life’s events with a constructive perspective, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. So next time you face an unexpected twist, remember: it's not the event itself, but how you view it that will shape your journey.