# Book III explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

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 universe. He uses examples from daily life, the Cynic ideal, and analogies of warfare and sailing to illustrate how one should live with desire and aversion free from restraint, and how to practice virtue in the face of external challenges.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

Central to the chapter: distinguishing what is within our power (will, opinion) from what is not (body, possessions, others' actions).

### Freedom and Slavery

Explored through the idea that true freedom comes from mastering one's own will, while attachment to externals leads to a slavish character.

### Providence and Acceptance

Emphasized in the call to follow events rather than lead them, and to accept the divine order without complaint.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The primary speaker and teacher, delivering discourses on Stoic principles and using his own life as an example of freedom and contentment despite external poverty.

### Zeus

Referenced as the divine administrator of the universe, whom one must not oppose by desiring what is not in one's power.

### Socrates

Mentioned as a model of happiness in adversity, though not directly quoted in these excerpts.

### Diogenes

Invoked as the ideal Cynic, demonstrating that a life without possessions can still be free and happy.

### Hercules

Referenced as a model of service to God and enduring hardship for a greater purpose.

## Key lines

> To desire then things which are impossible is to have a slavish character, and is foolish: it is the part of a stranger, of a man who fights against God in the only way that he can, by his opinions.

Wishing for what cannot be is a sign of a servile and foolish mind, opposing God through one's own beliefs.

_Highlights the Stoic view that desire for the impossible is both irrational and impious._

> For it is not the business of a philosopher to look after these externals, neither his wine nor his oil nor his poor body, but his own ruling power.

A philosopher's concern is not with external things like food, drink, or the body, but with the mind's governing faculty.

_Reinforces the priority of inner character over material circumstances._

> We ought to have these two principles in readiness: that except the will nothing is good nor bad; and that we ought not to lead events, but to follow them.

Keep these two rules at hand: only the will can be good or bad, and we should adapt to events rather than try to control them.

_Summarizes key Stoic tenets of moral value and acceptance of fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/book-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters