Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

So look at the abilities you have. When you see them clearly, say this: "Bring it on, Zeus. Send me whatever challenge you want. You gave me the tools and the strength to honor myself through whatever happens." But you don't do this. Instead, you sit there shaking with fear about what might happen. You cry and complain and moan about what does happen. Then you blame the gods. What does this cowardice lead to? It's basically disrespectful to God. Yet God didn't just give us these abilities so we could handle anything without being crushed or broken by it.

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Facing Hardship Freedom & Control
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Come, then, do you also having observed these things look to the faculties which you have, and when you have looked at them, say: Bring now, O Zeus, any difficulty that thou pleasest, for I have means given to me by thee and powers for honoring myself through the things which happen. You do not so; but you sit still, trembling for fear that some things will happen, and weeping, and lamenting, and groaning for what does happen; and then you blame the gods. For what is the consequence of such meanness of spirit but impiety? And yet God has not only given us these faculties, by which we shall be able to bear everything that happens without being depressed or broken by it;

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Epictetus — The Slave

Well then, haven't you been given abilities to handle whatever happens? Haven't you been given strength of spirit? Haven't you been given courage? Haven't you been given endurance? So why should I worry about anything that might happen if I have strength of spirit? What could possibly distract me, disturb me, or cause me pain? Should I not use this power for what it was meant for? Should I waste time grieving and complaining about what happens?

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Facing Hardship Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Well then and have you not received faculties by which you will be able to bear all that happens? Have you not received greatness of soul? Have you not received manliness? Have you not received endurance? And why do I trouble myself about anything that can happen if I possess greatness of soul? What shall distract my mind, or disturb me, or appear painful? Shall I not use the power for the purposes for which I received it, and shall I grieve and lament over what happens?

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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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