Discourses, About Cynicism — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

And who can force you not to accept what seems true? No one. So you see there's something in you that's naturally free. But what about wanting something or avoiding it? What about moving toward something or away from it? What about getting ready to do something or planning to do it? Can any of you do these things without first getting an impression that something is helpful or right? No. So in these areas too, you have something that can't be blocked and is free. You miserable people, work on this. Take care of this. Look for what's good here.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

And who can compel you not to assent to that which appears true? No man. By this then you see that there is something in you naturally free. But to desire or to be averse from, or to move towards an object or to move from it, or to prepare yourself, or to propose to do anything, which of you can do this, unless he has received an impression of the appearance of that which is profitable or a duty? No man. You have then in these things also something which is not hindered and is free. Wretched men, work out this, take care of this, seek for good here.

Epictetus — The Slave

Is your body free or enslaved? You don't know? Well, let me tell you. Your body is a slave to fever, gout, eye infections, stomach problems, dictators, fire, weapons — anything stronger than it. Yes, it's a slave. So how can anything that belongs to your body be truly free from interference? And how can something be great or valuable when it's naturally dead matter — just earth and mud? So do you own anything that's actually free? Maybe nothing. But wait — who can force you to believe something that seems false to you? No one.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

Do you possess the body then free or is it in servile condition? We do not know. Do you not know that it is the slave of fever, of gout, ophthalmia, dysentery, of a tyrant, of fire, of iron, of everything which is stronger? Yes, it is a slave. How then is it possible that anything which belongs to the body can be free from hindrance? and how is a thing great or valuable which is naturally dead, or earth, or mud? Well then, do you possess nothing which is free? Perhaps nothing. And who is able to compel you to assent to that which appears false? No man.