Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Use divination the way Socrates did — only for things where you can't figure out the outcome through thinking or skill. When it's your duty to share danger with a friend or your country, don't ask an oracle whether you should do it. Even if the fortune-teller warns you that bad signs point to death, injury, or exile, so what? You have reason inside you. It tells you to stand by your friend and country despite these risks. Listen to the greater fortune-teller — the god Apollo — who once threw someone out of his temple for failing to save his friend.

The Enchiridion, Section 32 44 of 70
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Epictetus — The Slave Original

Come to divination as Socrates prescribed, in cases of which the whole consideration relates to the event, and in which no opportunities are afforded by reason or any other art to discover the matter in view. When, therefore, it is our duty to share the danger of a friend or of our country, we ought not to consult the oracle as to whether we shall share it with them or not. For though the diviner should forewarn you that the auspices are unfavorable, this means no more than that either death or mutilation or exile is portended. But we have reason within us; and it directs us, even with these hazards, to stand by our friend and our country. Attend, therefore, to the greater diviner, the Pythian God, who once cast out of the temple him who neglected to save his friend.

The Enchiridion, Section 32 44 of 70
Epictetus — The Slave

When you go to see a fortune-teller, remember this: you don't know what will happen, and that's what you're asking about. But you already know what kind of thing it is before you go — if you think like a philosopher. If it's something outside your control, it can't be good or bad for you. So don't bring hope or fear to the fortune-teller. Don't go there shaking with worry. First understand that whatever happens doesn't really matter to you. It's all the same. You can handle any outcome well, and no one can stop you from doing that. Go confidently to the gods for advice. And when they give you guidance, remember who you asked for help. Remember whose advice you're ignoring if you don't follow it.

The Enchiridion, Section 32 43 of 70
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Epictetus — The Slave Original

When you have recourse to divination, remember that you know not what the event will be, and you come to learn it of the diviner; but of what nature it is you knew before coming; at least, if you are of philosophic mind. For if it is among the things not within our own power, it can by no means be either good or evil. Do not, therefore, bring with you to the diviner either desire or aversion—else you will approach him trembling—but first clearly understand that every event is indifferent and nothing to _you_, of whatever sort it may be; for it will be in your power to make a right use of it, and this no one can hinder. Then come with confidence to the gods as your counselors; and afterwards, when any counsel is given you, remember what counselors you have assumed, and whose advice you will neglect if you disobey.

The Enchiridion, Section 32 43 of 70
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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