Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Who should I still fear? The people who control who gets into the palace? What will they do — lock me out? If they see that I want to enter, let them lock me out. So why do you go to their doors? Because I think it's proper to play my part while this game lasts. Then how are you not locked out? Because unless someone lets me in, I don't want to go in anyway. I'm always content with whatever happens. I think what God chooses is better than what I choose. I'll serve as his helper and follower.

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 362 of 388
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Whom then can I still fear? Those who are over the bedchamber? Lest they should do, what? Shut me out? If they find that I wish to enter, let them shut me out. Why then do you go to the doors? Because I think it befits me, while the play (sport) lasts, to join in it. How then are you not shut out? Because unless some one allows me to go in, I do not choose to go in, but am always content with that which happens; for I think that what God chooses is better than what I choose. I will attach myself as a minister and follower to him;

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 362 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

It's time for my body to break down into what it was made of. What's scary about that? What part of the universe is actually going to disappear? What strange new thing is about to happen? Is this why a tyrant seems frightening? Is this why his guards carry big, sharp swords? Go tell that to other people. I've thought all this through. No one has power over me. I am free. I know what his orders really mean. No one can drag me around like a slave anymore. I have the right person to defend my freedom. I have the right judges. You control my body? So what? You control my property? So what? You control whether I'm exiled or chained? Fine. I'll leave all these things behind — even this worthless body — whenever you want. Go ahead. Test your power. You'll see how little it really reaches.

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 361 of 388
Freedom & Control Death & Mortality Facing Hardship
Epictetus — The Slave Original

It is now time for the matter (of the body) to be resolved into the things out of which it was composed. And what is the formidable thing here? what is going to perish of the things which are in the universe? what new thing or wondrous is going to happen? Is it for this reason that a tyrant is formidable? Is it for this reason that the guards appear to have swords which are large and sharp? Say this to others; but I have considered about all these things; no man has power over me. I have been made free; I know his commands, no man can now lead me as a slave. I have a proper person to assert my freedom; I have proper judges. (I say) are you not the master of my body? What then is that to me? Are you not the master of my property? What then is that to me? Are you not the master of my exile or of my chains? Well, from all these things and all the poor body itself I depart at your bidding, when you please. Make trial of your power, and you will know how far it reaches.

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 361 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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