Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Don't make your training about unnatural stunts that impress people. If you do that, you're no different from circus performers — even though you call yourself a philosopher. Walking on a tightrope is hard and dangerous. Should you practice tightrope walking because of that? Should you practice climbing palm trees or hugging statues? Of course not. Just because something is difficult and dangerous doesn't make it good practice. Good practice is what helps you achieve your actual goal.

Discourses, About Exercise 243 of 388
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

We ought not to make our exercises consist in means contrary to nature and adapted to cause admiration, for if we do so, we who call ourselves philosophers, shall not differ at all from jugglers. For it is difficult even to walk on a rope; and not only difficult, but it is also dangerous. Ought we for this reason to practice walking on a rope, or setting up a palm-tree, or embracing statues? By no means. Every thing which is difficult and dangerous is not suitable for practice; but that is suitable which conduces to the working out of that which is proposed to us.

Discourses, About Exercise 243 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

You should keep two principles ready. First: nothing is good or bad except your will. Second: don't try to control events — follow them instead. "My brother shouldn't have treated me this way." No, but that's his problem to deal with. However he acts, I'll behave toward him the way I should. That's my business. His behavior is his business. No one can stop me from doing what's right. But they can interfere with everything else.

Discourses, In What Manner We Ought to Bear Sickness 242 of 388
Freedom & Control Doing The Right Thing
Epictetus — The Slave Original

For we ought to have these two principles in readiness, that except the will nothing is good nor bad; and that we ought not to lead events, but to follow them. My brother ought not to have behaved thus to me. No, but he will see to that; and, however he may behave, I will conduct myself towards him as I ought. For this is my own business; that belongs to another: no man can prevent this, the other thing can be hindered.

Discourses, In What Manner We Ought to Bear Sickness 242 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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