Observations placeholder
Epictetus - The Enchiridion - 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Identifier
013349
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Enchiridion
19. You may be unconquerable, if you enter into no combat in
which it is not in your own control to conquer. When,
therefore, you see anyone eminent in honors, or power, or in
high esteem on any other account, take heed not to be hurried
away with the appearance, and to pronounce him happy; for, if
the essence of good consists in things in our own control,
there will be no room for envy or emulation. But, for your
part, don't wish to be a general, or a senator, or a consul,
but to be free; and the only way to this is a contempt of
things not in our own control.
20. Remember, that not he who gives ill language or a blow
insults, but the principle which represents these things as
insulting. When, therefore, anyone provokes you, be assured
that it is your own opinion which provokes you. Try,
therefore, in the first place, not to be hurried away with the
appearance. For if you once gain time and respite, you will
more easily command yourself.
21. Let death and exile, and all other things which appear
terrible be daily before your eyes, but chiefly death, and you
win never entertain any abject thought, nor too eagerly covet
anything.
22. If you have an earnest desire of attaining to philosophy,
prepare yourself from the very first to be laughed at, to be
sneered by the multitude, to hear them say,." He is returned
to us a philosopher all at once," and " Whence this
supercilious look?" Now, for your part, don't have a
supercilious look indeed; but keep steadily to those things
which appear best to you as one appointed by God to this
station. For remember that, if you adhere to the same point,
those very persons who at first ridiculed will afterwards
admire you. But if you are conquered by them, you will incur a
double ridicule.
23. If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, so
as to wish to please anyone, be assured that you have ruined
your scheme of life. Be contented, then, in everything with
being a philosopher; and, if you wish to be thought so
likewise by anyone, appear so to yourself, and it will suffice
you.