A few core teachings of Epictetus

This week I’ve been reading Epictetus’s Discourses again. According to the notes I made on the inside cover, I haven’t read it since August 2017—half a decade ago. That’s way too long between reads for one of the best Stoic doctrines there is.

Anyway, I’m getting so much out of re-reading it. It feels like I’m reading it for the first time. Epictetus’s teachings are central to Stoicism, but more importantly, they’re central to living the good life. Which is why I want to share…

A few core teachings of Epictetus

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where, then, do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own.” –Epictetus

The core of Stoicism is this: some things are in our control, some things are not in our control.

The things that are in our control: our thoughts and actions.

The things that are not in our control: everything else.

What other people say or do is none of our business. It’s only what we say or do that has any consequence. 

“You have to work either on your commanding-faculty or on external things,” Epictetus said. “Either the inner or the outer should be the focus of your efforts, which means adopting the role either of a philosopher or of an ordinary person.”

Below are the 3 things that, if we constantly keep in mind, will allow us to live productive, joyful lives:

1. Focusing on what is in our control (perfecting our character, doing our duty)

2. Being indifferent to things that are not in our control (fame, money, power)

3. Loving everything that happens (Not complaining when you’re sick, but loving it, because it was fated to happen. And anything fated to happen is necessary and good.)

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