# Discourses — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Discourses by Epictetus.

- [Discourses](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/discourses.md): A collection of Epictetus's teachings on Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the distinction between what is within our control and what is not, and the importance of rationality, self-examination, and acceptance of divine pro
- [Book I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/book-i.md): Epictetus discusses the nature of self-regard and its compatibility with social duty, emphasizing that rational beings naturally contribute to the common interest while pursuing their own. He explores reason's capacity f
- [Of the Things Which Are in Our Power, and Not in Our Power](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/i-of-the-things-which-are-in-our-power-and-not-in-our-power.md): Epictetus introduces the foundational Stoic distinction between what is within our power (the right use of appearances, desire, aversion, pursuit, avoidance) and what is not (body, property, reputation, office). He argue
- [II: How a Man on Every Occasion Can Maintain His Proper Character](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ii-how-a-man-on-every-occasion-can-maintain-his-proper-character.md): Epictetus discusses how rational beings are pained by the irrational and attracted to the rational, emphasizing the need to adapt preconceptions of rational and irrational to nature. He uses examples of Agrippinus and Fl
- [How a Man Should Proceed from the Principle of God Being the Father of All Men to the Rest](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iii-how-a-man-should-proceed-from-the-principle-of-god-being-the-father-of-all-men-to-the-rest.md): This chapter argues that recognizing God as the father of all men elevates one's self-conception, preventing ignoble thoughts. It contrasts those who identify with their divine reason and intelligence (common with the go
- [Of Progress or Improvement](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iv-of-progress-or-improvement.md): Epictetus argues that true progress in philosophy is not measured by the quantity of books read or knowledge of Chrysippus, but by the practical application of principles to desire, aversion, pursuit, and avoidance—focus
- [Against the Academics](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/v-against-the-academics.md): Epictetus discusses the challenge of arguing with those who deny evident truths, comparing their stubbornness to a stone. He distinguishes between two kinds of hardening: one of the understanding and one of the sense of 
- [VI: Of Providence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vi-of-providence.md): Epictetus argues that Providence is evident in the design of the world and in the faculties given to humans. He emphasizes that humans have been endowed with reason, endurance, and greatness of soul to bear all events, a
- [Of the Use of Sophistical Arguments and Hypothetical and the Like](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vii-of-the-use-of-sophistical-arguments-and-hypothetical-and-the-like.md): Epictetus argues that the study of logic, including sophistical and hypothetical arguments, is essential for the wise and good man to navigate life's duties. He compares it to the skill of distinguishing genuine from cou
- [VIII: That the Faculties Are Not Safe to the Uninstructed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/viii-that-the-faculties-are-not-safe-to-the-uninstructed.md): Epictetus argues that logical faculties and argumentative skills, when acquired by the uninstructed and morally weak, lead to arrogance and self-conceit rather than virtue. He emphasizes that such abilities should be sub
- [IX: How from the Fact That We Are Akin to God a Man May Proceed to the Consequences](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ix-how-from-the-fact-that-we-are-akin-to-god-a-man-may-proceed-to-the-consequences.md): Epictetus argues that recognizing our kinship with God transforms our perspective on life, making us citizens of the world rather than of a particular city. He emphasizes that this realization frees us from fear of tyran
- [Against Those Who Eagerly Seek Preferment at Rome](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/x-against-those-who-eagerly-seek-preferment-at-rome.md): Epictetus contrasts the relentless ambition of Roman officials pursuing worldly preferment with the philosophical pursuit of self-knowledge and understanding one's place in the universe. He recounts the story of an older
- [XI: Of Natural Affection](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xi-of-natural-affection.md): Epictetus challenges a magistrate who abandoned his sick daughter, arguing that true natural affection must align with reason. He demonstrates that the man's flight was neither affectionate nor rational, and traces all a
- [Of Contentment](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xii-of-contentment.md): Epictetus argues that true freedom and contentment come from aligning one's will with the divine order of the universe. He criticizes those who complain about their circumstances—parents, children, solitude, or society—a
- [XIII: How Everything May Be Done Acceptably to the Gods](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiii-how-everything-may-be-done-acceptably-to-the-gods.md): Epictetus explains that eating and living acceptably to the gods involves justice, contentment, equanimity, temperance, and order. He uses the example of a slave bringing tepid water to illustrate that one should not bec
- [That the Deity Oversees All Things](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiv-that-the-deity-oversees-all-things.md): Epictetus argues that the universe is a unified whole, with all things—plants, bodies, and souls—interconnected under divine administration. He contends that just as plants respond to God's commands and the sun illuminat
- [What Philosophy Promises](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xv-what-philosophy-promises.md): Epictetus explains that philosophy does not promise to secure external things like a brother's reconciliation, but rather to maintain the governing part of one's own mind conformable to nature. He uses the analogy of a f
- [Of Providence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvi-of-providence.md): Epictetus argues that the natural world and human body are evidence of divine providence, urging gratitude and the duty to praise God as rational beings.
- [That the Logical Art Is Necessary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvii-that-the-logical-art-is-necessary.md): Epictetus argues that logic is essential as the tool for analyzing all other faculties, including reason itself. He compares it to a measuring instrument that must be calibrated before use. He defends the study of logic 
- [That We Ought Not to Be Angry with the Errors (Faults) of Others](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xviii-that-we-ought-not-to-be-angry-with-the-errors-faults-of-others.md): Epictetus argues that since all people act according to their own judgment of what is advantageous, anger at others for their errors is irrational. Instead of anger, we should pity those who are mistaken about good and e
- [XIX: How We Should Behave to Tyrants](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xix-how-we-should-behave-to-tyrants.md): Epictetus argues that a tyrant's power is limited to external things like the body and possessions, but cannot touch a person's will or freedom. True freedom comes from valuing only what is within our control and recogni
- [About Reason, How It Contemplates Itself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xx-about-reason-how-it-contemplates-itself.md): This chapter explores the unique capacity of reason to examine itself, contrasting it with other arts that cannot reflect on their own nature. It argues that reason, given by nature for the right use of appearances, can 
- [XXI: Against Those Who Wish to Be Admired](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxi-against-those-who-wish-to-be-admired.md): Epictetus argues that a man who holds his proper station in life does not seek things beyond it. He questions the desire for admiration from those whom one considers mad, emphasizing that one should be satisfied with act
- [On Precognitions](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxii-on-precognitions.md): Epictetus explains that while all humans share common precognitions about good and justice, disputes arise when these are adapted to particular cases. He illustrates this with the conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles 
- [XXIII: Against Epicurus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiii-against-epicurus.md): Epictetus critiques Epicurus for acknowledging humanity's social nature yet advising against raising children and engaging in political life. He argues that natural affection for offspring is unavoidable and that even an
- [How We Should Struggle with Circumstances](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiv-how-we-should-struggle-with-circumstances.md): Epictetus uses the metaphor of a wrestling trainer to explain that difficulties are opportunities for growth, comparing the Stoic to an Olympic athlete. He contrasts the cowardly scout who fears death, exile, and poverty
- [On the Same](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxv-on-the-same.md): Epictetus argues that if we truly believe good and evil lie only in our own will, we would not be disturbed or afraid. He reminds us that Zeus has given us what is our own (integrity, virtuous shame) free from hindrance,
- [What Is the Law of Life](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxvi-what-is-the-law-of-life.md): Epictetus argues that the primary law of life is to act conformably to nature, and that philosophical training must begin with theory before tackling the more difficult matters of real life. He criticizes those who rush 
- [In How Many Ways Appearances Exist, and What Aids We Should Provide Against Them](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxvii-in-how-many-ways-appearances-exist-and-what-aids-we-should-provide-against-them.md): Epictetus outlines four ways appearances present themselves to us and emphasizes that the educated person must form correct judgments in each case. He prescribes remedies for different sources of trouble: contrary habit 
- [XXVIII: That We Ought Not to Be Angry with Men; and What Are the Small and the Great Things Among Men](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxviii-that-we-ought-not-to-be-angry-with-men-and-what-are-the-small-and-the-great-things-among-men.md): Epictetus argues that anger toward others is irrational because all human actions are driven by appearances (opinions) of what is good or beneficial. He distinguishes between trivial external events (like loss of propert
- [On Constancy (Or Firmness)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxix-on-constancy-or-firmness.md): Epictetus argues that the essence of good and evil lies in the will, not in external events. He emphasizes that true constancy comes from recognizing that only our own judgments and choices are within our power, while ex
- [What We Ought to Have Ready in Difficult Circumstances](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxx-what-we-ought-to-have-ready-in-difficult-circumstances.md): Epictetus instructs that when approaching a powerful person, one must remember that a higher divine observer sees all and should be pleased above the mortal. The student is to recall the Stoic teachings that exile, bonds
- [Book II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/book-ii.md): Epictetus continues his discourses on Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the dichotomy of control, the importance of understanding what is truly good or bad, and the necessity of practical discipline. He uses examples from So
- [I: That Confidence (Courage) Is Not Inconsistent with Caution](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/i-that-confidence-courage-is-not-inconsistent-with-caution.md): Epictetus argues that confidence and caution are not contradictory when properly directed: caution should be applied to matters of the will (our own choices and judgments), while confidence should be applied to external 
- [Of Tranquillity (Freedom from Perturbation)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ii-of-tranquillity-freedom-from-perturbation.md): Epictetus argues that true tranquility comes from focusing only on what is within our power—our will, choices, and character—and being indifferent to externals like body, property, and reputation. He uses Socrates as a m
- [To Those Who Recommend Persons to Philosophers](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iii-to-those-who-recommend-persons-to-philosophers.md): Epictetus uses the analogy of a silver coin to argue that a philosopher does not need letters of recommendation; a person's character is evident to a skilled observer. He contrasts the ability to judge syllogisms with th
- [Against a Person Who Had Once Been Detected in Adultery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iv-against-a-person-who-had-once-been-detected-in-adultery.md): Epictetus argues that fidelity is the defining characteristic of a human being, and that adultery destroys not only personal integrity but also the bonds of neighborhood, friendship, and community. He compares a faithles
- [How Magnanimity Is Consistent with Care](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/v-how-magnanimity-is-consistent-with-care.md): Epictetus explains how to balance careful attention to actions with inner indifference to outcomes, using the analogy of dice and ball games. He argues that externals are indifferent but their use is not, and that one mu
- [VI: Of Indifference](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vi-of-indifference.md): Epictetus explores the concept of indifference, arguing that external things like life, health, and wealth are indifferent in themselves, but their use is not. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing what is withi
- [How We Ought to Use Divination](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vii-how-we-ought-to-use-divination.md): Epictetus argues that divination is often misused due to cowardice and a desire to know future outcomes, when instead one should rely on the internal diviner—reason—that discerns good and evil. He illustrates with the ex
- [VIII: What Is the Nature (Ἡ Οὐσία) of the Good](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/viii-what-is-the-nature-of-the-good.md): Epictetus argues that the nature of the good is identical with the nature of God, which is intelligence, knowledge, and right reason. Since humans are rational animals, the good resides in the rational faculty, not in pl
- [IX: That When We Cannot Fulfil That Which the Character of a Man Promises, We Assume the Character of a Philosopher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ix-that-when-we-cannot-fulfil-that-which-the-character-of-a-man-promises-we-assume-the-character-of-a-philosopher.md): Epictetus argues that fulfilling the promise of being a rational and mortal human is difficult enough, yet many who fail at this take on the even heavier burden of calling themselves philosophers. He warns against merely
- [X: How We May Discover the Duties of Life from Names](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/x-how-we-may-discover-the-duties-of-life-from-names.md): Epictetus explains that by examining our various roles or 'names'—such as man, citizen, son, brother, senator, youth, or old man—we can discern the specific duties attached to each. He emphasizes that the faculty of will
- [What the Beginning of Philosophy Is](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xi-what-the-beginning-of-philosophy-is.md): The chapter argues that the true beginning of philosophy is the recognition of one's own weakness and inability regarding necessary things, particularly the proper adaptation of innate preconceptions of good and evil to 
- [Of Disputation or Discussion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xii-of-disputation-or-discussion.md): Epictetus criticizes the lack of practical skill in applying Stoic dialectic, contrasting it with Socrates' method of guiding an opponent to self-evident truth through natural notions rather than technical jargon. He war
- [XIII: On Anxiety (Solicitude)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiii-on-anxiety-solicitude.md): Epictetus argues that anxiety arises from wanting things outside our control, such as the approval of others or the favor of powerful figures. He contrasts the confidence that comes from practiced skill with the fear tha
- [To Naso](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiv-to-naso.md): Epictetus explains to a Roman visitor that philosophy, like any art, involves a difficult learning process but yields beneficial results. He outlines the philosopher's work: aligning one's will with events, living withou
- [To or Against Those Who Obstinately Persist in What They Have Determined](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xv-to-or-against-those-who-obstinately-persist-in-what-they-have-determined.md): Epictetus warns against the blind persistence in one's determinations without first ensuring they are sound and rational. He illustrates this with the story of a companion who resolved to starve himself to death for no r
- [XVI: That We Do Not Strive to Use Our Opinions About Good and Evil](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvi-that-we-do-not-strive-to-use-our-opinions-about-good-and-evil.md): Epictetus argues that people fail to apply their philosophical training to real life, focusing on external goods rather than the will, which is the true seat of good and evil. He criticizes the gap between theoretical kn
- [How We Must Adapt Preconceptions to Particular Cases](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvii-how-we-must-adapt-preconceptions-to-particular-cases.md): Epictetus argues that the first task of philosophy is to discard self-conceit, because one cannot learn what one thinks one already knows. He explains that while everyone has natural preconceptions of good, bad, and the 
- [How We Should Struggle Against Appearances](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xviii-how-we-should-struggle-against-appearances.md): Epictetus teaches that habits and faculties are strengthened by corresponding actions, so one must resist harmful impulses from the start. He urges the reader to pause before appearances, test them, and oppose them with 
- [XIX: Against Those Who Embrace Philosophical Opinions Only in Words](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xix-against-those-who-embrace-philosophical-opinions-only-in-words.md): Epictetus criticizes those who merely recite philosophical doctrines without embodying them in their actions. He challenges his students to show a true Stoic—one who is happy in sickness, danger, death, exile, or disgrac
- [XX: Against the Epicureans and Academics](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xx-against-the-epicureans-and-academics.md): Epictetus argues against Epicureans and Academics who deny objective truth, natural fellowship, and the reliability of the senses. He contends that even those who deny these things must use them in their arguments, revea
- [Of Inconsistency](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxi-of-inconsistency.md): Epictetus examines why people readily confess to some faults (timidity, compassion) but not others (foolishness, injustice, intemperance), attributing this to confusion about good and evil. He criticizes students who com
- [On Friendship](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxii-on-friendship.md): Epictetus argues that true friendship is only possible for the wise who understand what is truly good, because all animals are naturally drawn to their own interest. He illustrates how external goods like wealth, power, 
- [On the Power of Speaking](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiii-on-the-power-of-speaking.md): Epictetus argues that while the faculty of speaking has value, it is subordinate to the faculty of the will (prohairesis), which alone determines happiness or unhappiness. He warns against becoming captivated by eloquenc
- [To (Or Against) a Person Who Was One of Those Who Were Not Valued (Esteemed) by Him](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiv-to-or-against-a-person-who-was-one-of-those-who-were-not-valued-esteemed-by-him.md): Epictetus challenges a person who complains he never receives answers, arguing that both speaking and hearing require skill. He emphasizes that without understanding one's own nature, purpose, and the world, a person can
- [That Logic Is Necessary](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxv-that-logic-is-necessary.md): Epictetus demonstrates the necessity of logic by showing that any attempt to prove or disprove its necessity already relies on logical reasoning, thereby proving its foundational role in discourse and knowledge.
- [What Is the Property of Error](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxvi-what-is-the-property-of-error.md): This chapter explores the nature of error as a form of contradiction: every person who errs wishes to be right but fails to achieve what they truly want. It argues that a rational soul naturally recoils from contradictio
- [Book III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/book-iii.md): Epictetus continues his discourses on Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the dichotomy of control, the nature of good and evil as residing only in the will, and the importance of accepting the divine administration of the uni
- [I: Of Finery in Dress](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/i-of-finery-in-dress.md): Epictetus confronts a young rhetorician who is overly concerned with his appearance, arguing that true beauty in a human being comes from cultivating virtue and rational excellence, not from external adornment. He warns 
- [In What a Man Ought to Be Exercised Who Has Made Proficiency; and That We Neglect the Chief Things](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ii-in-what-a-man-ought-to-be-exercised-who-has-made-proficiency-and-that-we-neglect-the-chief-things.md): Epictetus outlines three topics of exercise for the wise and good: desires and aversions, duties, and freedom from deception. He criticizes contemporary philosophers for focusing on the third topic—sophistical arguments—
- [What Is the Matter on Which a Good Man Should Be Employed, and in What We Ought Chiefly to Practice Ourselves](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iii-what-is-the-matter-on-which-a-good-man-should-be-employed-and-in-what-we-ought-chiefly-to-practice-ourselves.md): The chapter argues that the proper material for a wise and good person is their own ruling faculty (prohairesis), not external things like the body or land. It emphasizes that the soul naturally assents to truth, desires
- [Against a Person Who Showed His Partisanship in an Unseemly Way in a Theatre](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iv-against-a-person-who-showed-his-partisanship-in-an-unseemly-way-in-a-theatre.md): Epictetus admonishes a governor of Epirus who displayed unseemly partisanship at a theatre and then resented being criticized for it. He argues that the governor, as a public figure, sets an example for others, and that 
- [Against Those Who on Account of Sickness Go Away Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/v-against-those-who-on-account-of-sickness-go-away-home.md): Epictetus challenges a student who wishes to return home due to sickness, arguing that the true purpose of study is to correct one's will and maintain a state conformable to nature. He emphasizes that disease and death s
- [VI: Miscellaneous](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vi-miscellaneous.md): Epictetus discusses the nature of progress in philosophy, contrasting modern cultivation of logic and syllogisms with the ancient focus on maintaining a faculty conformable to nature. He describes the invincibility of th
- [To the Administrator of the Free Cities Who Was an Epicurean](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vii-to-the-administrator-of-the-free-cities-who-was-an-epicurean.md): Epictetus confronts an Epicurean administrator, arguing that Epicurean philosophy—which prioritizes pleasure—undermines civic duty, marriage, and moral integrity. He contrasts this with Stoic principles, emphasizing that
- [VIII: How We Must Exercise Ourselves Against Appearances (Φαντασίας)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/viii-how-we-must-exercise-ourselves-against-appearances.md): This chapter instructs the reader to train daily against appearances, just as one practices against sophistical questions. It presents a method of responding to external events—such as a son's death, disinheritance, or c
- [IX: To a Certain Rhetorician Who Was Going Up to Rome on a Suit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ix-to-a-certain-rhetorician-who-was-going-up-to-rome-on-a-suit.md): Epictetus challenges a rhetorician traveling to Rome for a lawsuit, arguing that success or failure depends not on external outcomes but on the quality of one's opinions. He criticizes the man for neglecting self-examina
- [In What Manner We Ought to Bear Sickness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/x-in-what-manner-we-ought-to-bear-sickness.md): Epictetus argues that sickness is a test of philosophical discipline, not an excuse to abandon it. He insists that the philosopher's ruling faculty must remain conformable to nature even in fever, and that one should nei
- [XI: Certain Miscellaneous Matters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xi-certain-miscellaneous-matters.md): This chapter discusses the fixed penalties for those who disobey divine administration, emphasizing that only things dependent on the will are good or evil. It uses the poet's words about the stranger to illustrate prope
- [About Exercise](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xii-about-exercise.md): Epictetus distinguishes between true philosophical exercise—training desire and aversion to align with what is within our power—and ostentatious physical feats that merely impress spectators. He advocates practicing endu
- [What Solitude Is, and What Kind of Person a Solitary Man Is](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiii-what-solitude-is-and-what-kind-of-person-a-solitary-man-is.md): Epictetus distinguishes between being alone and being solitary, arguing that true solitude is a state of helplessness, not mere isolation. He uses Zeus as an example of one who is alone yet self-sufficient, and contrasts
- [Certain Miscellaneous Matters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiv-certain-miscellaneous-matters.md): Epictetus discusses the importance of self-examination and independence, warning against seeking validation from others or boasting about trivial achievements. He emphasizes rooting out arrogance and distrust, and define
- [That We Ought to Proceed with Circumspection to Everything](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xv-that-we-ought-to-proceed-with-circumspection-to-everything.md): Epictetus urges careful deliberation before undertaking any action, using the example of Olympic competition and the pursuit of philosophy. He warns against impulsive imitation and emphasizes the need to examine both the
- [That We Ought with Caution to Enter Into Familiar Intercourse with Men](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvi-that-we-ought-with-caution-to-enter-into-familiar-intercourse-with-men.md): Epictetus warns that frequent social intercourse with common people inevitably leads to assimilation, either corrupting the philosopher or requiring him to change others. He emphasizes the danger of being influenced by v
- [On Providence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xvii-on-providence.md): Epictetus argues that when we accuse Providence of injustice, we fail to see that events happen according to reason. The superior person has an advantage in virtue, not in external goods like money. He illustrates with a
- [That We Ought Not to Be Disturbed by Any News](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xviii-that-we-ought-not-to-be-disturbed-by-any-news.md): Epictetus advises that we should not be disturbed by any news, because the content of such reports is never about what is within our power—our will, opinions, and desires. External events, such as death, slander, or judi
- [What Is the Condition of a Common Kind of Man and of a Philosopher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xix-what-is-the-condition-of-a-common-kind-of-man-and-of-a-philosopher.md): Epictetus contrasts the common person, who blames external things for misfortune, with the philosopher, who recognizes that only the will can harm itself. He illustrates how early upbringing reinforces this error, using 
- [That We Can Derive Advantage from All External Things](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xx-that-we-can-derive-advantage-from-all-external-things.md): Epictetus argues that good and evil reside not in external things but in our own judgments and use of them. By applying right reason, we can turn even sickness, death, poverty, and abuse to our advantage, just as an athl
- [Against Those Who Readily Come to the Profession of Sophists](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxi-against-those-who-readily-come-to-the-profession-of-sophists.md): Epictetus criticizes those who superficially adopt philosophical teachings without internalizing them, comparing them to a sick person vomiting undigested food. He argues that true philosophy requires transformation of o
- [About Cynism](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxii-about-cynism.md): Epictetus discusses the true nature of Cynicism, emphasizing that it is a divine calling requiring complete purity of the ruling faculty, freedom from desire and aversion, and a role as a messenger from Zeus to guide hum
- [To Those Who Read and Discuss for the Sake of Ostentation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiii-to-those-who-read-and-discuss-for-the-sake-of-ostentation.md): Epictetus criticizes those who engage in philosophical reading and discussion for the sake of praise and display rather than for genuine self-improvement. He emphasizes that the true purpose of philosophy is to transform
- [XXIV: That We Ought Not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are Not in Our Power](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiv-that-we-ought-not-to-be-moved-by-a-desire-of-those-things-which-are-not-in-our-power.md): Epictetus argues that we should not be disturbed by desires for things outside our control, such as possessions, relationships, or places. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from recognizing what is our own—the use of
- [To Those Who Fall Off (Desist) from Their Purpose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxv-to-those-who-fall-off-desist-from-their-purpose.md): Epictetus encourages those who have failed in their philosophical commitments to renew their efforts immediately, comparing the struggle for virtue to a combat that can be re-entered at any time. He warns against complac
- [To Those Who Fear Want](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxvi-to-those-who-fear-want.md): Epictetus rebukes those who fear poverty and want, arguing that such fear stems from misplaced values and a failure to internalize philosophical principles. He contrasts the cowardice of the philosopher who fears hunger 
- [Book IV: On Freedom and Familiar Intimacy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/book-iv.md): Epictetus explores the nature of true freedom, arguing that it is not a matter of social status or political liberty but of internal mastery over desires and aversions. He contends that those who are attached to external
- [About Freedom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/i-about-freedom.md): Epictetus argues that true freedom lies in recognizing what is within our control—our judgments and choices—and treating all external things, including body, property, and life itself, as not our own. He contrasts the ph
- [On Familiar Intimacy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ii-on-familiar-intimacy.md): Epictetus warns against maintaining close ties with former friends whose behavior conflicts with one's philosophical progress. He argues that one cannot simultaneously please old companions and improve oneself; a choice 
- [III: What Things We Should Exchange for Other Things](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iii-what-things-we-should-exchange-for-other-things.md): Epictetus advises that when we lose something external, we should consider what we gain in its place, especially if it is of greater value—such as modesty, fidelity, tranquillity, or liberty. He warns that even a small d
- [To Those Who Are Desirous of Passing Life in Tranquillity](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/iv-to-those-who-are-desirous-of-passing-life-in-tranquillity.md): Epictetus warns that even the desire for tranquillity, leisure, or learning can enslave us if we treat them as external goods. True tranquility comes from focusing only on what is within our power—our judgments and actio
- [Against the Quarrelsome and Ferocious](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/v-against-the-quarrelsome-and-ferocious.md): Epictetus argues that the wise and good person avoids quarrels and fights, following the example of Socrates. He emphasizes that one's own ruling principle is the only thing within one's power, and that external things l
- [VI: Against Those Who Lament Over Being Pitied](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vi-against-those-who-lament-over-being-pitied.md): Epictetus argues against being troubled by others' pity, emphasizing that pity concerns the giver, not the receiver, and that one should focus on cultivating right opinions about externals like poverty and lack of power.
- [On Freedom from Fear](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/vii-on-freedom-from-fear.md): Epictetus argues that true freedom from fear comes from recognizing that only our own opinions and will are within our power, while external things like body, property, and status are not. By aligning our desires with wh
- [VIII: Against Those Who Hastily Rush Into the Use of the Philosophic Dress](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/viii-against-those-who-hastily-rush-into-the-use-of-the-philosophic-dress.md): Epictetus criticizes those who adopt the outward appearance of a philosopher—wearing a cloak and growing a beard—without first cultivating the inner discipline and understanding that philosophy requires. He argues that t
- [To a Person Who Had Been Changed to a Character of Shamelessness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ix-to-a-person-who-had-been-changed-to-a-character-of-shamelessness.md): Epictetus addresses a person who has abandoned modesty and virtue for the pursuit of power, wealth, and sensual pleasures. He argues that true loss is not of material possessions but of character—modesty, decency, and li
- [X: What Things We Ought to Despise, and What Things We Ought to Value](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/x-what-things-we-ought-to-despise-and-what-things-we-ought-to-value.md): Epictetus argues that true good and evil lie only in what is within our power—our judgments, desires, and aversions—while external things like wealth, status, and even life itself are indifferent. He urges the reader to 
- [XI: About Purity (Cleanliness)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xi-about-purity-cleanliness.md): Epictetus argues that a love of purity is a distinguishing characteristic of humans, derived from the gods. He distinguishes between the purity of the soul, which comes from correct judgments, and bodily cleanliness, whi
- [On Attention](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xii-on-attention.md): Epictetus warns against the habit of deferring attention, arguing that even a brief lapse in mindfulness creates a lasting pattern of neglect. He insists that attention must be constant and applied to every action—play, 
- [XIII: Against or to Those Who Readily Tell Their Own Affairs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiii-against-or-to-those-who-readily-tell-their-own-affairs.md): Epictetus warns against the reciprocal disclosure of personal secrets, arguing that trustworthiness is not established by mere candor but by a person's character and philosophical principles. He uses the analogy of a sol

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