Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

When someone hurts you or insults you, remember this: they're acting on what they believe is right. They can't follow what seems right to you — only what seems right to them. So if they're judging based on false beliefs, they're the ones getting hurt, not you. They're the ones being deceived. Think of it this way: if someone believes a true statement is false, the statement isn't damaged — only the person is confused. Keep this in mind, and you'll handle insults calmly. You'll just think, "That's how it seemed to them."

The Enchiridion, Section 42 58 of 70
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Epictetus — The Slave Original

When any person does ill by you, or speaks ill of you, remember that he acts or speaks from an impression that it is right for him to do so. Now it is not possible that he should follow what appears right to you, but only what appears so to himself. Therefore, if he judges from false appearances, he is the person hurt, since he, too, is the person deceived. For if anyone takes a true proposition to be false, the proposition is not hurt, but only the man is deceived. Setting out, then, from these principles, you will meekly bear with a person who reviles you, for you will say upon every occasion, “It seemed so to him.”

The Enchiridion, Section 42 58 of 70
Epictetus — The Slave

It shows poor judgment to spend too much time on bodily things. Don't overdo exercise, eating, drinking, or other basic physical needs. Handle these things quickly and put your main energy into developing your mind.

The Enchiridion, Section 41 57 of 70
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Epictetus — The Slave Original

It is a mark of want of intellect to spend much time in things relating to the body, as to be immoderate in exercises, in eating and drinking, and in the discharge of other animal functions. These things should be done incidentally and our main strength be applied to our reason.

The Enchiridion, Section 41 57 of 70
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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