Plain
Epictetus — The Slave

Philosophy has three parts. First and most important: actually doing what's right — like not lying. Second: understanding why something is right — like why you shouldn't lie. Third: understanding how proof works — like why a certain argument counts as proof. What is proof? What follows from what? What's a contradiction? What's true? What's false? You need the third part to understand the second. You need the second part to understand the first. But the first part — actually doing right — is what matters most. That's where you should focus. But we do the opposite. We spend all our time on proof and logic. We work hard on that stuff and completely ignore doing what's right. So we lie while explaining brilliantly why lying is wrong.

The Enchiridion, Section 51 69 of 70
Doing The Right Thing Knowing Yourself
Epictetus — The Slave Original

The first and most necessary topic in philosophy is the practical application of principles, as, _We ought not to lie_; the second is that of demonstrations as, _Why it is that we ought not to lie_; the third, that which gives strength and logical connection to the other two, as, _Why this is a demonstration_. For what is demonstration? What is a consequence? What a contradiction? What truth? What falsehood? The third point is then necessary on account of the second; and the second on account of the first. But the most necessary, and that whereon we ought to rest, is the first. But we do just the contrary. For we spend all our time on the third point and employ all our diligence about that, and entirely neglect the first. Therefore, at the same time that we lie, we are very ready to show how it is demonstrated that lying is wrong.

The Enchiridion, Section 51 69 of 70
Epictetus — The Slave

Right now, think of yourself as a grown person who knows better. Whatever seems like the right thing to do — make it your unbreakable rule. When you face pain or pleasure, praise or shame, remember: this is your test. This is your Olympic moment. You can't postpone it. One slip-up can cost you everything — or win you everything. This is how Socrates became perfect. He learned from everything and followed reason above all else. You're not Socrates yet. But you should live like someone trying to become him.

The Enchiridion, Section 50 68 of 70
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Epictetus — The Slave Original

This instant, then, think yourself worthy of living as a man grown up and a proficient. Let whatever appears to be the best be to you an inviolable law. And if any instance of pain or pleasure, glory or disgrace, be set before you, remember that now is the combat, now the Olympiad comes on, nor can it be put off; and that by one failure and defeat honor may be lost or—won. Thus Socrates became perfect, improving himself by everything, following reason alone. And though you are not yet a Socrates, you ought, however, to live as one seeking to be a Socrates.

The Enchiridion, Section 50 68 of 70
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support