The Enchiridion (Illustrated)

by Epictetus

Philosophy as a way of life makes men free.

Marcus Aurelius changed the philosophical doctrine into the regimen of the lonesome ruler.

Epictetus’ personality is totally integrated in the act of reasoning which establishes conformity with nature.

Not in our power are all the elements which constitute our environment, such as wealth, health, reputation, social prestige, power, the lives of those we love, and death. In our power are our thinking, our intentions, our desires, our decisions.

The Stoics practiced a Jesuitism avant la lettre. They were able to live in the world

as if they did not live in it.

But for the present, altogether restrain desire; for if you desire any of the things not within our own power, you must necessarily be disappointed; and you are not yet secure of those which are within our power, and so are legitimate objects of desire.

if you embrace your child or your wife, that you embrace a mortal—and thus, if either of them dies, you can bear it.

“I will now go to bathe and keep my own will in harmony with nature.”

Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.

Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.

Upon every accident, remember to turn toward yourself and inquire what faculty you have for its use.

While he permits you to possess it, hold it as something not your own,

Whoever then would be free, let him wish nothing, let him decline nothing, which depends on others; else he must necessarily be a slave.

“What hurts this man is not this occurrence itself—for another man might not be hurt by it—but the view he chooses to take of it.”

Consider not what he does, but what you are to do to keep your own will in a state conformable to nature, for another cannot hurt you unless you please.

he acts or speaks from an impression that it is right for him to do so.

Never proclaim yourself a philosopher, nor make much talk among the ignorant about your principles, but show them by actions.

And if anyone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not nettled at it, then you may be sure that you have

really entered on your work.