Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

A logical statement itself doesn't matter. But your judgment about it does matter — it's either knowledge, opinion, or error. Life itself is neutral. How you use your life is not neutral. When someone tells you that important things don't matter, don't get lazy. When someone tells you to worry obsessively about material things, don't become pathetic and amazed by stuff. It's good to know your own skills and abilities. In areas where you're not prepared, stay quiet. Don't get upset if others beat you there. You'll have the advantage over them in logic. If they get upset about that, comfort them by saying, "I learned this stuff, and you didn't." So when you need practical skills, don't demand immediate results. Let the experienced people handle it. Be content with having a strong mind.

Discourses, Of Indifference 110 of 388
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

The hypothetical proposition is indifferent: the judgment about it is not indifferent, but it is either knowledge or opinion or error. Thus life is indifferent: the use is not indifferent. When any man then tells you that these things also are indifferent, do not become negligent; and when a man invites you to be careful (about such things), do not become abject and struck with admiration of material things. And it is good for you to know your own preparation and power, that in those matters where you have not been prepared, you may keep quiet, and not be vexed, if others have the advantage over you. For you too in syllogisms will claim to have the advantage over them; and if others should be vexed at this, you will console them by saying, "I have learned them, and you have not." Thus also where there is need of any practice, seek not that which is acquired from the need (of such practice), but yield in that matter to those who have had practice, and be yourself content with firmness of mind.

Discourses, Of Indifference 110 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

So what if I have to go to court? What if someone else gets sick, or sails the ocean, or dies, or gets convicted? Yes, these things must happen. In a universe this big, with so many people living together, bad things will happen to some people and not others. Your job is to come here and say what you should say. Handle these situations properly. Then someone says, "I'm going to accuse you of wronging me." Good luck with that. I've done my part. Whether you've done yours — that's for you to figure out. There's a real risk you might not even notice if you're failing.

Discourses, How Magnanimity is Consistent with Care 109 of 388
Facing Hardship Doing The Right Thing
Epictetus — The Slave Original

What then must I be brought to trial; must another have a fever, another sail on the sea, another die, and another be condemned? Yes, for it is impossible in such a universe of things, among so many living together, that such things should not happen, some to one and others to others. It is your duty then since you are come here, to say what you ought, to arrange these things as it is fit. Then some one says, "I shall charge you with doing me wrong." Much good may it do you: I have done my part; but whether you also have done yours, you must look to that; for there is some danger of this too, that it may escape your notice.

Discourses, How Magnanimity is Consistent with Care 109 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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