Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

I want what God wants. I pursue the same things he pursues. In short, my will matches his will. There's no shutting me out — only those who try to force their way in get shut out. So why don't I force my way in? Because I know nothing good gets handed out to people who barge in there. When I hear someone called lucky because Caesar honors them, I ask: what does he actually get? A province to govern. But does he also get the right kind of thinking? A prefect's job.

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 363 of 388
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

I have the same movements (pursuits) as he has, I have the same desires; in a word, I have the same will ([Greek: sunthelo]). There is no shutting out for me, but for those who would force their way in. Why then do not I force my way in? Because I know that nothing good is distributed within to those who enter. But when I hear any man called fortunate because he is honored by Cæsar, I say what does he happen to get? A province (the government of a province). Does he also obtain an opinion such as he ought? The office of a Prefect.

Discourses, On Freedom from Fear 363 of 388
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
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support