Discourses · Chapter
Against a Person Who Showed His Partisanship in an Unseemly Way in a Theatre explained
Epictetus admonishes a governor of Epirus who displayed unseemly partisanship at a theatre and then resented being criticized for it.
What happens
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 he should not be angry when they imitate his behavior. Epictetus advises him to maintain a will conformable to nature, to not claim more than his due in public, and to accept blame if he acts like the many.
Themes in this chapter
Social Duty and Friendship
Epictetus emphasizes the governor's duty as a public example and the social responsibility to act in a way that does not harm others or provoke blame.
Desire and Aversion
The chapter illustrates the importance of managing desires (e.g., for a particular actor to win) and aversions (e.g., to being blamed) in accordance with nature.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The philosopher who delivers the admonition to the governor of Epirus.
- Caesar
Referenced as the authority whose deputy the governor is, and as one who is abused but does not punish all abusers.
- Zeus
Mentioned as being abused by husbandmen and sailors when hindered, illustrating that even gods are criticized.
Key passages
“For whom have the many to imitate except you, who are their superiors? to whose example should they look when they go to the theatre except yours?”
The people have no one else to imitate but their leaders; they look to you as their model when attending the theatre.
Epictetus stresses the governor's role as a behavioral exemplar for the public.
“What then would you have? That you should do what you please, and they should not even say what they please?”
Do you expect to act as you wish while others are not allowed to express their own opinions?
Epictetus points out the inconsistency in wanting freedom for oneself but not for others.