Discourses · Chapter
Of Progress or Improvement explained
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—focusing only on what is
What happens
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—focusing only on what is within one's will. He emphasizes that virtue produces tranquillity, and improvement is shown through living conformably to nature, not through scholarly display.
Themes in this chapter
Desire and Aversion
Central to the chapter: progress is measured by correctly directing desire only toward what is within one's power and aversion only toward what is not.
Rationality and Self-Examination
Epictetus urges readers to examine their own actions—desire, aversion, pursuit—rather than merely studying texts.
Freedom and Slavery
True freedom comes from mastering one's will and not being subject to externals or to others who control them.
Characters to notice
- Chrysippus
Referenced as the author of books that some mistakenly equate with virtue and progress.
- Priam
Cited as an example of a king who laments external misfortunes, illustrating tragedy from valuing externals.
- Oedipus
Cited alongside Priam as a figure whose tragedy stems from valuing things outside one's control.
- Socrates
Quoted indirectly through the phrase 'Dear Crito, if it is the will of the gods that it be so, let it be so,' exemplifying acceptance of fate.
Key passages
“He who is making progress, having learned from philosophers that desire means the desire of good things, and aversion means aversion from bad things; having learned too that happiness and tranquillity are not attainable by man otherwise than by not failing to obtain what he desires, and not falling into that which he would avoid; such a man takes from himself desire altogether and defers it, but he employs his aversion only on things which are dependent on his will.”
A person who is truly improving understands that desire should only be for what is good, and aversion only for what is bad. Since happiness requires getting what you want and avoiding what you don't, the wise person suspends desire entirely and only applies aversion to things within their control.
Epictetus outlines the foundational Stoic strategy for achieving tranquillity through disciplined desire and aversion.
“If any of you, withdrawing himself from externals, turns to his own will to exercise it and to improve it by labor, so as to make it conformable to nature, elevated, free, unrestrained, unimpeded, faithful, modest; and if he has learned that he who desires or avoids the things which are not in his power can neither be faithful nor free... this is the man who truly makes progress.”
True progress means turning inward to work on your own will, making it aligned with nature—free, unimpeded, faithful, and modest. Anyone who desires or avoids things outside their control cannot be truly faithful or free.
Epictetus defines genuine improvement as the cultivation of inner character rather than external achievements.
“What then does Chrysippus teach us? The reply is, to know that these things are not false, from which happiness comes and tranquillity arises. Take my books, and you will learn how true and conformable to nature are the things which make me free from perturbations.”
Chrysippus's teachings are valuable because they confirm the truths that lead to happiness and tranquillity. His books show that the principles which free us from distress are true and natural.
Epictetus acknowledges the utility of philosophical texts as guides, not as ends in themselves.