Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

When did this person learn that humans are social creatures? In what school did they study that people should love each other? Where were they taught that doing wrong harms the wrongdoer most of all? They never learned these lessons. They don't believe them. So why wouldn't they do what seems best for themselves? Your neighbor threw stones at your house. Did you do something wrong? No. Your windows got broken. Are you just a piece of property? No. You're a free human being with the power to choose. So what should you do? If you act like a wild animal, you'll bite back and throw more stones. But if you want to act like a human being, think about what you're capable of. Check your toolkit. Remember what abilities you were born with.

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 343 of 388
Human Nature Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Epictetus — The Slave Original

For when did he learn or in what school that man is a tame animal, that men love one another, that an act of injustice is a great harm to him who does it. Since then he has not learned this and is not convinced of it, why shall he not follow that which seems to be for his own interest? Your neighbor has thrown stones. Have you then done anything wrong? But the things in the house have been broken. Are you then a utensil? No; but a free power of will. What then is given to you (to do) in answer to this? If you are like a wolf, you must bite in return, and throw more stones. But, if you consider what is proper for a man, examine your storehouse, see with what faculties you came into the world.

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 343 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

So how can someone with the right mindset ever get into fights or arguments? Does anything really surprise him? Does anything seem new? Doesn't he expect bad people to do bad things — and worse things than what actually happens? Doesn't he count it as a win whenever they do less harm than they could? Someone insults you. Be grateful he didn't hit you. But he did hit me. Be grateful he didn't stab you. But he did stab me. Be grateful he didn't kill you.

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 342 of 388
Facing Hardship Calm Your Mind
Epictetus — The Slave Original

How then is there left any place for fighting (quarrelling) to a man who has this opinion (which he ought to have)? Is he surprised at any thing which happens, and does it appear new to him? Does he not expect that which comes from the bad to be worse and more grievous than that what actually befalls him? And does he not reckon as pure gain whatever they (the bad) may do which falls short of extreme wickedness? Such a person has reviled you. Great thanks to him for not having struck you. But he has struck me also. Great thanks that he did not wound you. But he wounded me also. Great thanks that he did not kill you.

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 342 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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