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I: That Confidence (Courage) Is Not Inconsistent with Caution explained

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 events (death, pain,

What happens

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 events (death, pain, exile) that are not in our power. He uses the metaphor of tragic masks to illustrate that what we fear is often only appearance, and true freedom comes from education in these principles. The chapter concludes by urging the student to demonstrate their learning through their actions and reactions to life's trials, not through rhetorical display.

Themes in this chapter

  • Dichotomy of Control

    Central to the chapter: confidence is for things not in our power (externals), caution for things in our power (will and choice).

  • Freedom and Slavery

    Epictetus argues that true freedom comes from education and mastery over one's own will, not from legal manumission.

  • Desire and Aversion

    The chapter emphasizes training desire and aversion correctly: avoid only what is in our power to avoid, and be confident toward externals.

Characters to notice

  • Socrates

    Cited as the philosopher who called external evils 'tragic masks' and who practiced self-examination through writing and dialogue.

  • Epictetus

    The speaker throughout the chapter, instructing on the proper use of confidence and caution.

Key passages

  • “For death or pain is not formidable, but the fear of pain or death.”

    It is not death or pain itself that is terrifying, but our fear of them.

    Epictetus distinguishes between external events and our judgments about them.

  • “What is death? A tragic mask. Turn it and examine it. See, it does not bite.”

    Death is like a frightening mask; if you look closely, you see it is harmless.

    Socrates' metaphor of tragic masks is used to show that externals only appear fearful.

  • “Is freedom anything else than the power of living as we choose? ... No one then who lives in error is free.”

    Freedom is the ability to live as you choose, but no one who is mistaken or fearful can truly be free.

    True freedom is achieved through correct understanding and mastery of the will.

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Discourses — I: That Confidence (Courage) Is Not Inconsistent with Caution Explained