Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

The wise and good person doesn't pick fights with anyone. And as much as possible, he doesn't let others fight either. Socrates gives us a perfect example of this and everything else we should do. He avoided quarrels at every turn. But he also stopped other people from quarreling. Look at Xenophon's Symposium — see how many fights he settled. See how he put up with Thrasymachus and Polus and Callicles. See how he tolerated his wife and his son, even when his son tried to prove him wrong and nitpick with him. Socrates understood something important: you can't control another person's mind. So he only wanted what was actually his to control. And what is that? Not whether this person or that person acts according to their nature — that belongs to them, not you.

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 340 of 388
Freedom & Control Human Nature
Epictetus — The Slave Original

The wise and good man neither himself fights with any person, nor does he allow another, so far as he can prevent it. And an example of this as well as of all other things is proposed to us in the life of Socrates, who not only himself on all occasions avoided fights (quarrels), but would not allow even others to quarrel. See in Xenophon's Symposium how many quarrels he settled, how further he endured Thrasymachus and Polus and Callicles; how he tolerated his wife, and how he tolerated his son who attempted to confute him and to cavil with him. For he remembered well that no man has in his power another man's ruling principle. He wished therefore for nothing else than that which was his own. And what is this? Not that this or that man may act according to nature, for that is a thing which belongs to another;

Discourses, Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious 340 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

This is a much better reason to celebrate than getting elected to office or being appointed governor of a province. These good changes in your character come from you and from the gods. Remember this: who gives these gifts, who receives them, and why. If you focus on these thoughts, do you still think it matters where you live to be happy? Do you still think location affects whether you please God? The gods are equally distant from every place. They see what's happening just as clearly from anywhere.

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 339 of 388
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

How much greater is this a reason for making sacrifices than a consulship or the government of a province? These things come to you from yourself and from the gods. Remember this, who gives these things and to whom, and for what purpose. If you cherish yourself in these thoughts, do you still think that it makes any difference where you shall be happy, where you shall please God? Are not the gods equally distant from all places? Do they not see from all places alike that which is going on?

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 339 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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