Discourses, How We Should Struggle with Circumstances

Epictetus — The Slave

Diogenes, who was sent as a scout before you, brought back a different report. He says death is not evil — it's not shameful. He says reputation is just noise from crazy people. And what did this spy tell us about pain, pleasure, and poverty? He says being naked is better than wearing royal purple. Sleeping on the bare ground is the softest bed. He proves each claim with his own courage, his calm mind, his freedom, and his healthy, strong body. "There's no enemy nearby," he says. "Everything is peaceful." How can you say that, Diogenes? "Look," he answers. "Have I been hit? Have I been wounded? Have I run away from anyone?" This is what a scout should be like. But you come to us and report one terrible thing after another. Go back and look again. You'll see more clearly once you stop being afraid.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

Diogenes, who was sent as a scout before you, made a different report to us. He says that death is no evil, for neither is it base; he says that fame (reputation) is the noise of madmen. And what has this spy said about pain, about pleasure, and about poverty? He says that to be naked is better than any purple robe, and to sleep on the bare ground is the softest bed; and he gives as a proof of each thing that he affirms his own courage, his tranquillity, his freedom, and the healthy appearance and compactness of his body. There is no enemy near, he says; all is peace. How so, Diogenes? "See," he replies, "if I am struck, if I have been wounded, if I have fled from any man." This is what a scout ought to be. But you come to us and tell us one thing after another. Will you not go back, and you will see clearer when you have laid aside fear?