Enchiridion

by Epictetus

In the Stoic view, our capacity to be happy is completely dependent on ourselves—how we treat ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we react to events in general. Events are good or bad only in terms of our reaction to them.

-from the prologue

The Stoic God = The universe

Straightway then practice saying to every harsh appearance,1 You are an appearance, and in no manner what you appear to be. Then examine it by the rules which you possess, and by this first and chiefly, whether it relates to the things which are in our power or to the things which are not in our power: and if it relates to anything which is not in our power, be ready to say, that it does not concern you.

but to me all significations are auspicious if I choose. For whatever of these things results, it is in my power to derive benefit from it.

“Henceforth I ask not good fortune, I myself am good fortune…” -Whitman

Let death and exile and every other thing which appears dreadful be daily before your eyes; but most of all death: and you will never think of anything mean nor will you desire anything extravagantly.

These reasonings do not cohere: I am richer than you, therefore I am better than you; I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better than you. On the contrary these rather cohere, I am richer than you, therefore my possessions are greater than yours: I am more eloquent than you, therefore my speech is superior to yours. But you are neither possession nor speech.

As a goose is not frightened by cackling nor a sheep by bleating, so let not the clamor of a senseless multitude alarm you.

No man is free who is not master of himself.

Epictetus being asked how a man should give pain to his enemy answered, By preparing himself to live the best life that he can.