Knowing Yourself — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

A student asked Epictetus about becoming a Cynic philosopher. The student seemed drawn to that way of life. He wanted to know what kind of person a Cynic should be and what the whole idea meant. Epictetus said, "We'll talk about this more later. But I'll tell you this much: anyone who tries to take on such a huge responsibility without God's help is disgusting to God. They're just planning to make a fool of themselves in public.

First, you'd have to completely change how you handle your own life. You can't blame God or other people for anything. You must get rid of wanting things entirely. You can only avoid things that are actually under your control. You can't feel angry, resentful, jealous, or sorry for people. You can't think a girl is beautiful. You can't care about having a good reputation. You can't get excited about a attractive boy or even a piece of cake."

Epictetus — The Slave Original

When one of his pupils inquired of Epictetus, and he was a person who appeared to be inclined to Cynicism, what kind of person a Cynic ought to be, and what was the notion ([Greek: prolaepsis]) of the thing, we will inquire, said Epictetus, at leisure; but I have so much to say to you that he who without God attempts so great a matter, is hateful to God, and has no other purpose than to act indecently in public.

In the first place, in the things which relate to yourself, you must not be in any respect like what you do now; you must not blame God or man; you must take away desire altogether, you must transfer avoidance ([Greek: echchlisis]) only to the things which are within the power of the will; you must not feel anger nor resentment or envy nor pity; a girl must not appear handsome to you, nor must you love a little reputation, nor be pleased with a boy or a cake.