Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

What's the reason for this problem? The reason is that we never read or write for the right purpose. We don't study so we can handle life's situations naturally and wisely. Instead, we stop at just learning what the texts say. We focus on explaining ideas to others, solving logical puzzles, and working through complex arguments. That's why we get stuck where we put our effort. Do you insist on wanting things that aren't up to you? Then expect to be blocked, frustrated, and disappointed.

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 333 of 388
Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

What then is the reason of this? The reason is that we have never read for this purpose, we have never written for this purpose, so that we may in our actions use in a way conformable to nature the appearances presented to us; but we terminate in this, in learning what is said, and in being able to expound it to another, in resolving a syllogism, and in handling the hypothetical syllogism. For this reason where our study (purpose) is, there alone is the impediment. Would you have by all means the things which are not in your power? Be prevented then, be hindered, fail in your purpose.

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 333 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

Now I'm called to do something. I'll go with a clear purpose: follow the rules I must keep. Act with humility and steadiness. Don't crave external things or push them away. Then I'll pay attention to people — what they say and how they react. But not with bad intentions. Not so I can blame them or mock them. Instead, I turn inward and ask: Do I make the same mistakes? How can I stop making them? I used to act wrongly too. But now I don't. Thank God.

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 332 of 388
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Now I am called to do something: I will go then with the purpose of observing the measures (rules) which I must keep, of acting with modesty, steadiness, without desire and aversion to things external; and then that I may attend to men, what they say, how they are moved; and this not with any bad disposition, or that I may have something to blame or to ridicule; but I turn to myself, and ask if I also commit the same faults. How then shall I cease to commit them? Formerly I also acted wrong, but now I do not: thanks to God.

Discourses, To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity 332 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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