The Good Life Handbook: Epictetus' Stoic Classic Enchiridion

by Chuck Chakrapani

Whenever you face difficult situations in life, remember the prospect of death and other major tragedies that can and do happen to people. You will see that, compared to death, none of the things you face in life is important enough to worry about.

If you are not invited to a party maybe it is because you didn’t pay the price, such as flattering the host or doing things to be in her good books. So if you want to be invited, pay the bill and don’t complain about the cost. But if you expect the benefits without paying the price you are not only greedy, you are being foolish.

Remember how wisely you understand when others face unfortunate situations. Apply the same wisdom when something unfortunate happens to you. Learn to accept whatever happens.

How long will you put off demanding the best of yourself?

“Dear Crito, if it pleases gods, so be it.”