Discourses · Chapter
II: How a Man on Every Occasion Can Maintain His Proper Character explained
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.
What happens
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 Florus regarding Nero's spectacles, Priscus Helvidius defying Vespasian, and an athlete choosing death over amputation to illustrate maintaining one's proper character. The chapter concludes with the importance of self-discipline and knowing one's own worth.
Themes in this chapter
Rationality and Self-Examination
Epictetus emphasizes that the rational animal is pained by the irrational and attracted to the rational, requiring discipline to adapt preconceptions to nature.
Social Duty and Friendship
The examples of Agrippinus and Priscus Helvidius highlight the importance of fulfilling one's role and duty within society, even under threat.
Freedom and Slavery
The chapter explores selling one's will and the price of personal integrity, contrasting external compulsion with inner freedom.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
Central figure; provides teachings on maintaining proper character and uses examples from his own life.
- Agrippinus
Advises Florus on attending Nero's spectacles, demonstrating refusal to compromise his character.
- Florus
Deliberates about participating in Nero's spectacles; receives advice from Agrippinus.
- Priscus Helvidius
Defies Vespasian's command to stay silent in the senate, exemplifying steadfast adherence to duty.
- Vespasian
Emperor who commands Priscus Helvidius not to enter the senate or speak.
- Socrates
Mentioned as a model of greatness and proper character.
- Nero
Emperor whose spectacles are the subject of deliberation for Florus and Agrippinus.
Key passages
“To the rational animal only is the irrational intolerable; but that which is rational is tolerable.”
Only rational beings find irrational things unbearable; rational things are bearable.
Opening statement defining the core principle of the chapter.
“For he who has once brought himself to deliberate about such matters, and to calculate the value of external things, comes very near to those who have forgotten their own character.”
Anyone who starts weighing external things in deliberation is close to forgetting their true character.
Agrippinus' critique of Florus for even considering participation in Nero's spectacles.
“It is in your power not to allow me to be a member of the senate, but so long as I am, I must go in.”
You can prevent me from being a senator, but as long as I am one, I must attend.
Priscus Helvidius' response to Vespasian's command, asserting his duty.
“Only consider at what price you sell your own will: if for no other reason, at least for this, that you sell it not for a small sum.”
Think about the price at which you sell your will, and at least don't sell it cheaply.
Epictetus' advice on valuing one's own volition.
