Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Some people wonder whether humans are naturally social. But I think these same people would agree that humans naturally love cleanliness. If anything separates us from other animals, it's this. When we see an animal cleaning itself, we're surprised. We say it's acting like a human. On the other hand, when someone criticizes an animal for being dirty, we immediately make excuses. We say, "Of course it's dirty — it's not human."

Discourses, About Purity (cleanliness) 373 of 388
Human Nature
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Some persons raise a question whether the social feeling is contained in the nature of man; and yet I think that these same persons would have no doubt that love of purity is certainly contained in it, and that if man is distinguished from other animals by anything, he is distinguished by this. When then we see any other animal cleaning itself, we are accustomed to speak of the act with surprise, and to add that the animal is acting like a man; and on the other hand, if a man blames an animal for being dirty, straightway, as if we were making an excuse for it, we say that of course the animal is not a human creature.

Discourses, About Purity (cleanliness) 373 of 388
Epictetus — The Slave

The tools you gave me for understanding how you run the world and following your plan — I haven't ignored them. I haven't dishonored you with my actions. Look at how I've used my thoughts and beliefs. Have I ever blamed you? Have I complained about what happens, or wished things were different? Have I tried to break the natural order of things? You gave me life, and I thank you for what you gave me. As long as I've used what belongs to you, I'm satisfied. Take it all back and put it wherever you want — everything was yours to begin with. You just let me borrow it. Isn't this enough — to leave with this attitude? What life is better than one lived with this mindset? What death could be happier?

Discourses, What Things We Ought to Despise and What Things We Ought to Value 372 of 388
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

The means which I have received from thee for seeing thy administration (of the world) and following it I have not neglected; I have not dishonored thee by my acts; see how I have used my perceptions, see how I have used my preconceptions; have I ever blamed thee? have I been discontented with anything that happens, or wished it to be otherwise? have I wished to transgress the (established) relations (of things)? That thou hast given me life, I thank thee for what thou hast given. So long as I have used the things which are thine I am content. Take them back and place them wherever thou mayest choose, for thine were all things, thou gavest them to me. Is it not enough to depart in this state of mind? and what life is better and more becoming than that of a man who is in this state of mind? and what end is more happy?

Discourses, What Things We Ought to Despise and What Things We Ought to Value 372 of 388
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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