Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious

Epictetus — The Slave

What then? Do you want me to be looked down on? By who? By people who know you? How could people who know you look down on someone who is gentle and modest? Maybe you mean people who don't know you? What does that matter to you? No craftsman cares what people think when those people don't understand his craft. But they'll be more hostile to me because of this. Why do you say "me"? Can anyone damage your will? Can anyone stop you from dealing naturally with what comes your way? No one can. Then why are you still worried? Why do you choose to act afraid? Why don't you come out and announce that you're at peace with everyone, no matter what they do? Laugh especially at those who think they can hurt you. You can say: These slaves don't know who I am or where my good and bad really lie, because they can't reach the things that are truly mine.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

What then? would you have me to be despised?—By whom? by those who know you? and how shall those who know you despise a man who is gentle and modest? Perhaps you mean by those who do not know you? What is that to you? For no other artisan cares for the opinion of those who know not his art. But they will be more hostile to me for this reason. Why do you say "me"? Can any man injure your will, or prevent you from using in a natural way the appearances which are presented to you? In no way can he. Why then are you still disturbed and why do you choose to show yourself afraid? And why do you not come forth and proclaim that you are at peace with all men whatever they may do, and laugh at those chiefly who think that they can harm you? These slaves, you can say, know not either who I am, nor where lies my good or my evil, because they have no access to the things which are mine.