Book Iii. Chapter Xiv. Scattered Sayings : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIV SCATTERED SAYINGS As bad actors cannot sing alone, but only in a large company, so some men cannot walk alone. Man, if you are worth anything, you must walk alone, and talk to yourself and not hide in the chorus. Learn...
Book Iv. Chapter Ii. On Intercourse With Men : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER II ON INTERCOURSE WITH MEN The one thing to be careful about beyond all others is this--not to get so involved with any of your former companions or friends, as to compromise your character for his sake, for if you do this you...
Book I. Chapter Xvi. On Providence : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVI ON PROVIDENCE Marvel not that the other creatures have their bodily needs supplied--not only meat and drink, but a bed to lie on--and that they want no shoes nor rugs nor clothes, while we want all these things. For it would...
Book Iv. Notes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], THE DISCOURSES. BOOK IV. NOTES. 4-1 'The gold ring given to a freedman would open to him an official career as a knight.' (Matheson) 4-2 Cf. Book II, note 4. 4-3 One of the prerogatives of a consul. 4-4 Cf. Diogenes Laertius, VI. 29...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxi. To Those Who Undertake : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXI TO THOSE WHO UNDERTAKE THE PROFESSION OF TEACHER WITH A LIGHT HEART Those who have learnt precepts and nothing more are anxious to give them out at once, just as men with weak stomachs vomit food. First digest your precepts...
Book I. Chapter Xxiii. Against Epicurus : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIII AGAINST EPICURUS Epicurus understands as well as we do that we are by nature social beings, but having once placed our good not in the spirit but in the husk which contains it he cannot say anything different. On the other...
Book Iv. Chapter Iii. What To Aim At In Exchange : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER III WHAT TO AIM AT IN EXCHANGE If you give up any external possession, mind you see what you are to get in exchange for it: and if it is worth more, then never say, 'I have been a loser.' You will not lose if you get a horse...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxiii. On The Faculty : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIII ON THE FACULTY OF EXPRESSION Every one can read a book with the more pleasure and ease the plainer the letters in which it is written. So too every one can listen more easily to discourse which is expressed in becoming...
Book I. Chapter I. On Things In Our Power : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 224 BOOK I CHAPTER I ON THINGS IN OUR POWER AND THINGS NOT IN OUR POWER Of our faculties in general you will find that none can take cognizance of itself; none therefore has the power to approve or disapprove its own action. Our...
Book Iv. Chapter Xii. On Attention : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XII ON ATTENTION When you relax your attention for a little, do not imagine that you will recover it wherever you wish, but bear this well in mind, that your error of to-day must of necessity put you in a worse positi...
Book Iii. Chapter Xix. What Is The Difference : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIX WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE UNEDUCATED MAN The first difference between the philosopher and the uneducated man is that the latter says, 'Woe is me for my child, for my brother, woe is me for my...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxiv. That We Ought Not : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIV THAT WE OUGHT NOT TO SPEND OUR FEELINGS ON THINGS BEYOND OUR POWER If a thing goes against another's nature, you must not take it as evil for you; for you are born not to share humiliation or evil fortune, but to share good...
The Enchiridion. The Manual Of Epictetus : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 468 THE MANUAL [ENCHIRIDION] OF EPICTETUS M-1 1 Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our...
Book Ii. Chapter Xix. To Those Who Take Up : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIX TO THOSE WHO TAKE UP THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PHILOSOPHERS ONLY TO DISCUSS THEM The 'Master' argument appears to have been propounded on some such basis as this. There are three propositions which are at variance with one...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxiv. To One Whom He Did : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIV TO ONE WHOM HE DID NOT THINK WORTHY Some one said to him, 'I often came to you, desiring to hear you and you never gave me an answer, and now, if it may be, I beg you to say something to me'. Do you think, he replied, th...
Book Iv. Chapter I. On Freedom : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 406 BOOK IV CHAPTER I ON FREEDOM That man is free, who lives as he wishes, who is proof against compulsion and hindrance and violence, whose impulses are untrammelled, who gets what he wills to get and avoids what he wills to avoid...
Book I. Chapter Vi. On Providence : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VI ON PROVIDENCE Each single thing that comes into being in the universe affords a ready ground for praising Providence, if one possesses these two qualities--a power to see clearly the circumstances of each, and the spirit...
Book I. Chapter Xxvii. On The Ways In Which : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXVII ON THE WAYS IN WHICH IMPRESSIONS COME TO US: AND THE AIDS WE MUST PROVIDE FOR OURSELVES TO DEAL WITH THEM Impressions come to us in four ways: either things are and seem so to us; or they are not and seem not to be;...
Book Iii. Chapter Xii. On Training : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XII ON TRAINING We ought not to train ourselves in unnatural or extraordinary actions, for in that case we who claim to be philosophers shall be no better than mountebanks. For it is difficult to walk on a tight-rope, and not...
Book Ii. Chapter Xii. On The Art Of Discussion : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 303 CHAPTER XII ON THE ART OF DISCUSSION Our philosophers have precisely defined what a man must learn in order to know how to argue: but we are still quite unpractised in the proper use of what we have learnt. Give any one of us you...
Book I. Chapter Xxii. On Primary Conceptions : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXII ON PRIMARY CONCEPTIONS 1-13 Primary conceptions are common to all men, and one does not conflict with another. Who among us, for instance, does not assume that the p. 262 good is expedient and desirable and that we ought...
Book Ii. Notes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], THE DISCOURSES. BOOK II. NOTES. 2-1 These were used by beaters in hunting. 2-2 This refers to the ceremony of manumission. Epictetus may mention this so frequently because he himself was a freedman. 2-3 'It is not certain whether...
Book Iii. Chapter Iv. Against One Who W : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER IV AGAINST ONE WHO WAS INDECOROUSLY EXCITED IN THE THEATRE When the Procurator of Epirus offended decorum by the way he showed interest in a comedian, the people reviled him for this; thereupon when he brought word of this...
Book Iii. Chapter Xv. That We Should Approach : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XV THAT WE SHOULD APPROACH EVERYTHING WITH CONSIDERATION 3-12 In everything you do consider what comes first and what follows, and so approach it. Otherwise you will come to it with a good heart at first because you have not...
Book Ii. Chapter Xvii. How We Must Adjust : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVII HOW WE MUST ADJUST OUR PRIMARY CONCEPTIONS TO PARTICULAR THINGS What is the first business of the philosopher? To cast away conceit: for it is impossible for a man to begin learning what he thinks he knows. When we go...
Book I. Chapter Xviii. That We Should Not : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVIII THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE ANGRY AT MEN'S ERRORS If what philosophers say is true, that in all men action starts from one source, feeling, as in assent it is the feeling that a thing is so, and in denial the feeling that it is...
Book Iii. Notes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], THE DISCOURSES. BOOK III. NOTES. 3-1 'The "pancratium" consisted of boxing and wrestling, and was supposed to test all a man's powers. The "pentathlon" included running, jumping, quoit-throwing, spear-throwing, and wrestling.'...
Book I. Chapter Viii. That Faculties Are : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VIII THAT FACULTIES ARE FRAUGHT WITH DANGER FOR THE UNEDUCATED Just as it is possible to interchange terms which are equivalent to one another, so and in just as many ways it is allowable to vary in argument the types...
Book I. Chapter Xx. How Reason Has The Faculty : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 260 CHAPTER XX HOW REASON HAS THE FACULTY OF TAKING COGNIZANCE OF ITSELF Every art and faculty has certain principal things of which it is to take cognizance. When therefore the faculty itself is of like kind with the objects...
Book I. Chapter Xxv. On The Same Theme : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXV ON THE SAME THEME If this is true, and if we are not silly and insincere when we say that for men good and evil lies in the region of the will, and that everything else has no concern for us, why are we disturbed or fearful...
Book I. Chapter Xiii. How One May Act : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIII HOW ONE MAY ACT IN ALL THINGS SO AS TO PLEASE THE GODS. When some one asked Epictetus how one may eat so as to please the gods, he said, If you can eat justly, and with good feeling and, it may be, with self-control...
Book Ii. Chapter Xvi. That We Do Not Practise : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVI THAT WE DO NOT PRACTISE APPLYING OUR JUDGEMENTS ABOUT THINGS GOOD AND EVIL Where lies the good? In a man's will. Where lies evil? In the will. Where is the neutral sphere? In the region outside the will's control. Well, now...
Book I. Chapter Vii. On The Use Of Variable : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VII ON THE USE OF VARIABLE PREMISSES AND HYPOTHETICAL ARGUMENTS AND THE LIKE 1-8 Most men ignore the fact that the treatment of variable premisses and hypothetical arguments and again of syllogisms that conclude by way...
Book Iii. Chapter Xviii. That We Must Not : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVIII THAT WE MUST NOT ALLOW NEWS TO DISTURB US When any disturbing news is brought you, bear this in mind, that news cannot affect anything within the region of the will. Can any one bring news to you that you are wrong in your...
Book Iii. Chapter Xvii. Concerning Providence : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVII CONCERNING PROVIDENCE When you accuse Providence, only consider the matter, and you will understand that its action is according to reason. 'But the unjust man', you say, 'is better off.' In what? In money: for in regard...
Book Ii. Chapter Iv. To The Man Caught In Adultery : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 287 CHAPTER IV TO THE MAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY When Epictetus was saying that man is born for mutual trust, and he who overthrows this overthrows the quality peculiar to man, there came in one of those who are reputed scholars, a m...
Book Ii. Chapter Viii. What Is The True Nature : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VIII WHAT IS THE TRUE NATURE OF THE GOOD God is beneficent, but the good also is beneficent. It is natural therefore that the true nature of the good should be in the same region as the true nature of God. What then is...
Book I. Chapter Xxiv. How One Should Contend : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIV HOW ONE SHOULD CONTEND AGAINST DIFFICULTIES Difficulties are what show men's character. Therefore when a difficult crisis meets you, remember that you are as the raw youth with whom God the trainer is wrestling. 'To wh...
Book I. Chapter Xii. On Contentment : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 247 CHAPTER XII ON CONTENTMENT Concerning the gods there are some who say that the Divine does not exist, others that it exists but is inactive and indifferent and takes no thought for anything, others again that God does exist...
Book I. Chapter Iii. What Conclusions May : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER III WHAT CONCLUSIONS MAY BE DRAWN FROM THE FACT THAT GOD IS FATHER OF MEN If a man could only take to heart this judgement, as he ought, that we are all, before anything else, children of God and that God is the Father of gods...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxii. On Friendship : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXII ON FRIENDSHIP A man naturally loves those things in which he is interested. Now do men take an interest in things evil? Certainly not. Do they take interest in what does not concern them? No, they do not. It follows then...
ook Iii. Chapter Ii. 1) In What Matters : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER II 1) IN WHAT MATTERS SHOULD THE MAN WHO IS TO MAKE PROGRESS TRAIN HIMSELF: AND (2) THAT WE NEGLECT WHAT IS MOST VITAL There are three departments 3-3 in which a man who is to be good and noble must be trained. The first...
Book Ii. Chapter Vi. On What Is Meant : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VI ON WHAT IS MEANT BY 'INDIFFERENT' THINGS Take a given hypothetical proposition. In itself it is indifferent, but your judgement upon it is not indifferent, but is either knowledge, or mere opinion, or delusion. In the same...
Book Ii. Chapter V. How A Careful Life Is : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER V HOW A CAREFUL LIFE IS COMPATIBLE WITH A NOBLE SPIRIT Material things are indifferent, but how we handle them is not indifferent. How then is one to maintain the constant and tranquil mind, and. therewith the careful spirit...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxvi. What Is The Distinctive : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXVI WHAT IS THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF ERROR Every error implies conflict; for since he who errs does not wish to go wrong but to go right, plainly he is not doing what he wishes. For what does the thief wish to do? What is...
Book I. Chapter Ix. How One May Draw Conclusions : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER IX HOW ONE MAY DRAW CONCLUSIONS FROM THE FACT THAT WE ARE GOD'S KINSMEN If these statements of the philosophers are true, that God and men are akin, there is but one course open to men, to do as Socrates did: never to reply...
Book I. Chapter Xix. How One Should Behave : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIX HOW ONE SHOULD BEHAVE TOWARDS TYRANTS If a man possesses some advantage, or thinks he does though he does not, he is bound, if he be uneducated, to be puffed up because of it. The tyrant, for instance, says, 'I am mightiest...
Book I. Chapter Xxvi. What Is The Law Of Life : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 269 CHAPTER XXVI WHAT IS THE LAW OF LIFE When some one was reciting hypothetical arguments, Epictetus said: This also is a law which governs hypothesis, that we must accept what conforms with the hypothesis. But much more important...
Book Iv. Chapter Vi. To Those Who Are Distressed : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VI TO THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED AT BEING PITIED 'I am vexed', he says, 'at being pitied.' Is it your doing that you are pitied, or the doing of those who pity you? Or again, does it rest with you to stop their pity? 'Yes, if I...
Book Ii. Chapter Vii. How To Consult Diviners : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 293 CHAPTER VII HOW TO CONSULT DIVINERS Many of us often neglect acts which are fitting because we consult the diviners out of season. What can the diviner see more than death or danger or disease or generally things of that sort? If...
Book I. Chapter Ii. How One May Be True : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER II HOW ONE MAY BE TRUE TO ONE'S CHARACTER IN EVERYTHING To the rational creature that which is against reason is alone past bearing; the rational he can always bear. Blows are not by nature intolerable. 'What do you mean?' Let...
Book Ii. Chapter Ii. On Peace Of Mind : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER II ON PEACE OF MIND Consider, you who are going into court, what you want to maintain and where you want to end: for if you want to maintain your freedom of will in its natural condition, you have all security and facility to do...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxiii. To Those Who Read : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIII TO THOSE WHO READ AND DISCOURSE FOR DISPLAY First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do; for in pretty nearly all pursuits we see that done. Athletes...
Book I. Chapter Xxi. To Those Who Wish : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXI TO THOSE WHO WISH TO BE ADMIRED When a man has his proper station in life, he does not hanker after what is beyond him. What is it, man, that you wish to have? 'I am content if I am in accord with Nature in what I will...
Book I. Chapter V. Against Followers : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER V AGAINST FOLLOWERS OF THE ACADEMY If a man, says Epictetus, objects to what is manifestly clear, it is not easy to find an argument against him, whereby one shall change his mind. And this is not because of his power, n...
Book Ii. Chapter X. How The Acts Appropriate : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER X HOW THE ACTS APPROPRIATE TO MAN ARE TO BE DISCOVERED FROM THE NAMES HE BEARS Consider who you are. First, a Man; that is, one who has nothing more sovereign than will, but all else subject to this, and will itself free...
Book Iv. Chapter V. To Those That Are Contentious : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER V TO THOSE THAT ARE CONTENTIOUS AND BRUTAL The good and noble man does not contend with any one, and to the best of his power does not suffer others to contend. We have an illustration of this, as of other qualities, set out...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxv. How The Art Of Reasoning : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXV HOW THE ART OF REASONING IS NECESSARY When one of his audience said, 'Convince me that logic is useful,' he said, Would you have me demonstrate it? 'Yes.' Well, then, must I not use a demonstrative argument? And, when...
Book Ii. Chapter Xxi. Concerning Inconsistency : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXI CONCERNING INCONSISTENCY OF MIND There are some admissions which men readily make, others they do not. Now no one will admit that he is thoughtless or foolish: on the contrary, you will hear every one say, 'Would that I had...
Book Iii. Chapter Viii. How We Should Tr : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VIII HOW WE SHOULD TRAIN OURSELVES TO DEAL WITH IMPRESSIONS As we train ourselves to deal with sophistical questions, so we ought to train ourselves day by day to deal with impressions: for these too propound questions to us...
Book Ii. Chapter Ix. That We Adopt The Professi : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER IX THAT WE ADOPT THE PROFESSION OF THE PHILOSOPHER WHEN WE CANNOT FULFIL THAT OF A MAN It is no ordinary task merely to fulfil man's promise. For what is Man? A rational animal, subject to death. At once we ask, from what does...
Book Ii. Chapter Xviii. How We Must Struggle : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVIII HOW WE MUST STRUGGLE AGAINST IMPRESSIONS Every habit and every faculty is confirmed and strengthened by the corresponding acts, the faculty of walking by walking, that of running by running. If you wish to have a faculty...
Book I. Chapter Xxviii. That We Must Not : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXVIII THAT WE MUST NOT BE ANGRY WITH MEN: AND CONCERNING WHAT THINGS ARE SMALL AND WHAT ARE GREAT AMONG MEN What is the reason that we assent to a thing? Because it seems to us that it is so. It is impossible that we shall...
Book I. Notes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], THE DISCOURSES. BOOK I NOTES 1-1 This technical Stoic word, as Matheson points out, includes 'the power of presenting an image to the mind's eye' and 'the image so presented'. It is almost the equivalent of 'the data of consciousness'...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxii. On The Calling : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXII ON THE CALLING OF THE CYNIC 3-14 When one of his acquaintance, who seemed inclined to the Cynic School, asked him what should be the character of the Cynic, and what was the primary conception of the school, he said, We...
Book Ii. Chapter Xi. What Is The Beginning : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XI WHAT IS THE BEGINNING OF PHILOSOPHY The beginning of philosophy with those who approach it in the right way and by the door is a consciousness of one's own weakness and want of power in regard to necessary things. For we come...
Book Iii. Chapter Vi. Scattered Sayings : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VI SCATTERED SAYINGS When one of his acquaintances asked why more progress was made in old days, although the processes of reason have been more studied by the men of to-day, he answered, On what has the effort been spent...
Book Ii. Chapter Xiii. Concerning Anxiety : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIII CONCERNING ANXIETY When I see a man in a state of anxiety, I say, 'What can this man want? If he did not want something which is not in his power, how could he still be anxious? It is for this reason that one who sings...
Book Iii. Chapter Xx. That Benefit May Be : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 373 CHAPTER XX THAT BENEFIT MAY BE DERIVED FROM ALL OUTWARD THINGS In regard to intellectual impressions it is generally agreed that good and evil depend upon us and not upon external things. No one calls the proposition, 'It is day'...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxvi. To Those Who Fear Want : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXVI TO THOSE WHO FEAR WANT Are you not ashamed of being more cowardly and mean-spirited than runaway slaves? How do they leave their masters when they run away? What lands or servants have they to trust to? Do not they steal...
Book Iv. Chapter Viii. To Those Who Hastily : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VIII TO THOSE WHO HASTILY ASSUME THE CHARACTER OF PHILOSOPHERS Never bestow praise or blame on any one for qualities which are indifferent, nor credit them with skill or want of skill; then you will escape at once...
Book Iii. Chapter Xiii. What A 'forlorn' : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIII WHAT A 'FORLORN' CONDITION MEANS, AND A 'FORLORN' MAN The 'forlorn' state is the condition of one without help. For a man is not forlorn simply because he is alone, any more than a man in a crowd is unforlorn. At any rate...
Book Iii. Chapter Iii. What Is The Material : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER III WHAT IS THE MATERIAL WITH WHICH THE GOOD MAN DEALS: AND WHAT SHOULD BE THE OBJECT OF OUR TRAINING The material of the good man is his own Governing Principle, as the body is the material of the physician and trainer...
Book Iv. Chapter X. What Things We Should : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 447 CHAPTER X WHAT THINGS WE SHOULD DESPISE, AND WHAT WE SHOULD DEEM IMPORTANT All men's difficulties and perplexities are concerned with external things. 'What am I to do? How is it to be done? How is it to turn out? I fear this...
Book Ii. Chapter Xx. Against Followers : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XX AGAINST FOLLOWERS OF EPICURUS AND OF THE ACADEMY Even those who contradict propositions that are true and evident are obliged to make use of them. And indeed one may almost give as the strongest proof that a thing is evident...
Title Page : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], EPICTETUS: THE DISCOURSES AND MANUAL, TOGETHER WITH FRAGMENTS OF HIS WRITINGS TR. BY P E MATHESON Oxford: The Clarendon Press [1916] Transcribed From "The Stoic and Epicurean Philosophers", Whitney J. Oates, ed.; Random House [1940], pp...
Book Iii. Chapter I. On Adornment : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 343 BOOK III CHAPTER I ON ADORNMENT When a young student of rhetoric came into his lecture-room with his hair elaborately arranged and paying great attention to his dress in general: Tell me, said he, do you not think that some dogs...
Book I. Chapter Xi. On Family Affection : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XI ON FAMILY AFFECTION WHEN an official came to Epictetus and inquired for special directions he asked whether he had a wife and children; and when the man said, 'Yes', he asked again, How do you get on? 'Miserably', he said...
Book Ii. Chapter Iii. To Those Who Commend : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER III TO THOSE WHO COMMEND PERSONS TO PHILOSOPHERS That is a good answer of Diogenes to one who asked him for letters of introduction: 'You are a man, and that his eyes will tell him; but whether you are good or bad he will...
Book Iv. Chapter Xi. On Cleanliness : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XI ON CLEANLINESS Some men raise the question whether the social faculty is a necessary element in man's nature: nevertheless even they, I think, would not question that cleanliness at any rate is essential to it, and that this...
Fragments : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 458 FRAGMENTS F-1 I FROM ARRIAN THE PUPIL OF EPICTETUS. TO ONE DISCOURSING ON SUBSTANCE What matters it whether the world is composed of atoms or of infinite parts or of fire and earth? Is it not enough to know the true nature...
Book Iii. Chapter Ix. To A Rhetor Going Up : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 359 CHAPTER IX TO A RHETOR GOING UP TO ROME FOR A TRIAL When a man, who was going to Rome for an action regarding his official position, came in to see him, he inquired the reason for his journey, and when the man went on to ask him...
Book Iii. Chapter X. How One Should Bear Illnesses : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER X HOW ONE SHOULD BEAR ILLNESSES We should have each judgement ready at the moment when it is needed: judgements on dinner at dinner-time, on the bath at bathing-time, on bed at bedtime. Admit not sleep into your tender eyelids...
Book I. Chapter Iv. On Progress, Or Moral Advance : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 230 CHAPTER IV ON PROGRESS, OR MORAL ADVANCE How shall we describe 'progress'? 1-6 It is the state of him who having learnt from philosophers that man wills to get what is good, and wills to avoid what is evil, and having learnt also...
Book Iv. Chapter Vii. On Freedom From Fear : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER VII ON FREEDOM FROM FEAR What makes the Emperor an object of fear? The guards, one says, with their swords, and the chamberlains and those who close the door against those who enter. Why is it then that, if you bring a child...
Book I. Chapter X. To Those Who Have Spent : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER X TO THOSE WHO HAVE SPENT THEIR ENERGIES ON ADVANCEMENT IN ROME If we had been as earnest and serious about our work as old men in Rome are about their concerns, we too might perhaps have achieved something. I know what was said...
Book Iii. Chapter Xii. Dialogue With : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 355 CHAPTER VII DIALOGUE WITH THE COMMISSIONER 3-4 OF THE FREE CITIES, WHO WAS AN EPICUREAN When the Commissioner, who was an Epicurean, came into his lecture-room, It is proper, said Epictetus, that we who are ignorant should...
Preface : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 223 ARRIAN'S DISCOURSES OF EPICTETUS PREFACE ARRIANUS TO LUCIUS GELLIUS GREETING I did not write down the Lectures of Epictetus in the form of a book, as one might do with such utterances as his, nor did I of my own will give them...
Book Iii. Chapter V. Against Those Who Make : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER V AGAINST THOSE WHO MAKE ILLNESS AN EXCUSE FOR LEAVING THE LECTURE-ROOM 'I am ill here,' says one, 'and want to go away home.' What, were you never ill at home? Do you not consider whether you are doing anything here to improve...
Book Iii. Chapter Xi. Scattered Sayings : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 363 CHAPTER XI SCATTERED SAYINGS There are certain punishments ordained as it were by law for those who disobey the government of God. Whoever judges anything to be good except what depends upon the will, let him be liable to envy...
Book Iv. Chapter Ix. To One Who Was Modest : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER IX TO ONE WHO WAS MODEST AND HAS BECOME SHAMELESS When you see another man in office, set against his office the fact that you have no need of office: when you see another rich, look what you have instead. If you have nothing...
Book Iv. Chapter Iv. To Those Whose Heart : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 425 CHAPTER IV TO THOSE WHOSE HEART IS SET ON A QUIET LIFE Remember that it is not only desire of office and of wealth that makes men abject and subservient to others, but also desire of peace and leisure and travel and learning...
Book I. Chapter Xxx. What A Man Should Have : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXX WHAT A MAN SHOULD HAVE READY TO HAND IN THE CRISES OF LIFE When you appear before one of the mighty of the earth, remember that Another looks from above on what is happening and that you must please Him rather than this m...
Untitled : * Cleanse your own heart, cast out from your mind,... pain, fear, desire, envy, ill will, avarice, cowardice, passion uncontrolled. These things you cannot cast out, unless you look to God alone, on Him alone set your thoughts, and consecrate yourself to His commands. --(bk. II, ch. xvii, p. 316)...
Book I. Chapter Xvii. That The Processes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVII THAT THE PROCESSES OF LOGIC ARE NECESSARY Since it is reason which makes all other things articulate and complete, and reason itself must be analysed and made articulate, what is it that shall effect this? Plainly, re...
Book I. Chapter Xv. What Philosophy Professes : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XV WHAT PHILOSOPHY PROFESSES When a man consulted Epictetus how to persuade his brother to be angry with him no longer, he replied, 'Philosophy does not promise to secure to man anything outside him. If it did it would be...
Book Iii. Chapter Xxv. To Those Who Fail : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXV TO THOSE WHO FAIL TO ACHIEVE WHAT THEY SET BEFORE THEM Consider which of the aims that you set before you at the first you have achieved, and which you have not, and how some things give you pleasure to remember and some...
Book Ii. Chapter Xv. On Those Who Cling Stubbornly : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XV ON THOSE WHO CLING STUBBORNLY TO THEIR JUDGEMENTS There are some who when they hear these precepts--that a man must be steadfast, and that the will is by nature a free thing and not subject to compulsion, whereas all else is...
Book Iii. Chapter Xvi. That We Must Be Cautious : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XVI THAT WE MUST BE CAUTIOUS IN OUR SOCIAL RELATIONS The man who mixes with other people a good deal either for talk or for a wine-party or generally for social purposes, must needs either grow like them himself or convert them...
Book Iv. Chapter Xiii. To Those Who Lightly : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIII TO THOSE WHO LIGHTLY COMMUNICATE THEIR SECRETS When a man seems to have talked frankly to us about his own affairs,. how we are drawn to communicate our own secrets to him and think this is frankness! First because it seems...
Book I. Chapter Xxix. On Constancy : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XXIX ON CONSTANCY The essence of good and of evil lies in an attitude of the will. What are external things then? They are materials for the will, in dealing with which it will find its own good or evil. How will it find its...
Book Ii. Chapter I. That There Is No Conflict : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 281 BOOK II CHAPTER I THAT THERE IS NO CONFLICT BETWEEN CONFIDENCE AND CAUTION Perhaps the contention of philosophers that it is possible in everything we do to combine confidence with caution may appear a paradox, but nevertheless...
Book Ii. Chapter Xiv. On Naso : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], p. 308 CHAPTER XIV ON NASO Once when a Roman came in with his son and was listening to one of his lectures Epictetus said: 'This is the method of my teaching', and broke off short. And when the Roman begged him to continue, he replied...
Book I. Chapter Xiv. That God Beholds All Men : * "The Discourses of Epictetus", tr. by P.E Matheson, [1916], CHAPTER XIV THAT GOD BEHOLDS ALL MEN When one asked him how a man may be convinced that every one of his acts is seen by God, Do you not think, he said, that all things are united together? 'I do', he said. Again, do you think th...
