Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

But you say, 'I left someone behind, and now he's upset.' Why did he think something that belongs to another person was his own? When he looked at you and felt happy, why didn't he also remember that you're mortal? Why didn't he think that you might naturally leave him to go to another country? So now he's paying for his own foolishness. But why are you crying about it? What's the point of feeling sorry for yourself? Haven't you thought about these things either? Like useless women, you enjoyed everything that gave you pleasure as if you'd always have it — the places, the people, the conversations. And now you sit there crying because you don't see the same people and don't live in the same places anymore.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 297 of 388
Freedom & Control Facing Hardship
Epictetus — The Slave Original

But you say, I have parted from a certain person, and he is grieved. Why did he consider as his own that which belongs to another? why, when he looked on you and was rejoiced, did he not also reckon that you are a mortal, that it is natural for you to part from him for a foreign country? Therefore he suffers the consequences of his own folly. But why do you or for what purpose bewail yourself? Is it that you also have not thought of these things? but like poor women who are good for nothing, you have enjoyed all things in which you took pleasure, as if you would always enjoy them, both places and men and conversation; and now you sit and weep because you do not see the same persons and do not live in the same places.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 297 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

Keep these thoughts always with you. Practice them when you're alone. Keep them ready to use. Then you'll never lack someone to comfort and strengthen you. It's not shameful to go without food. What's shameful is not having enough reason to keep fear and sorrow away. But once you break free from sorrow and fear, will any tyrant still have power over you? Or his guards? Or Caesar's attendants? Will missing out on court appointments hurt you? Will those who sacrifice at the Capitol when they get promoted make you jealous? You've received such great authority from Zeus. Just don't show off about it or brag. Show it through your actions. And if no one notices, be satisfied that you yourself are healthy and happy.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 296 of 388
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Having these things (or thoughts) always in hand, and exercising them by yourself, and keeping them in readiness, you will never be in want of one to comfort you and strengthen you. For it is not shameful to be without something to eat, but not to have reason sufficient for keeping away fear and sorrow. But if once you have gained exemption from sorrow and fear, will there any longer be a tyrant for you, or a tyrant's guard, or attendants on Cæsar? Or shall any appointment to offices at court cause you pain, or shall those who sacrifice in the Capitol on the occasion of being named to certain functions, cause pain to you who have received so great authority from Zeus? Only do not make a proud display of it, nor boast of it; but show it by your acts; and if no man perceives it, be satisfied that you are yourself in a healthy state and happy.

Discourses, That We Ought not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are not in Our Power 296 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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