# IX: How from the Fact That We Are Akin to God a Man May Proceed to the Consequences explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus argues that recognizing our kinship with God transforms our perspective on life, making us citizens of the world rather than of a particular city. He emphasizes that this realization frees us from fear of tyrants, thieves, and death, and calls us to endure our present circumstances until God releases us. He contrasts the philosopher's proper role—to prevent youths from rashly abandoning life—with the cowardly, body-obsessed mindset that leads to flattery and fear. Socrates and Musonius Rufus are held up as models of those who live as true kinsmen of God, indifferent to external goods and evils.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Slavery

True freedom comes from recognizing our kinship with God and being indifferent to the body and external possessions, which tyrants and thieves can control.

### Providence and Acceptance

We must wait for God's signal to depart from life, enduring our present station as part of divine administration.

### Philosophy as Practical Discipline

Philosophy is not abstract theory but a way of living that transforms how we face fear, desire, and death, as shown by Socrates and Musonius.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

Speaker and teacher; argues for the practical consequences of kinship with God, urging patience and endurance.

### Socrates

Exemplar of one who lived as a kinsman of the gods, refusing to desert his post even under threat of death.

### Gaius Musonius Rufus

Epictetus' teacher; used to test Epictetus by suggesting he could obtain greatness of soul from himself rather than external goods.

## Key lines

> Never in reply to the question, to what country you belong, say that you are an Athenian or a Corinthian, but that you are a citizen of the world.

When asked where you're from, don't name your city—call yourself a citizen of the universe.

_Epictetus urges a cosmopolitan identity rooted in our shared kinship with God._

> Wait for God: when He shall give the signal and release you from this service, then go to Him; but for the present endure to dwell in this place where He has put you.

Don't rush to leave life; wait for God's permission, and meanwhile stay where He has placed you.

_Patience and obedience to divine will are central to Stoic practice._

> If you have it, you will have it; if you have it not, you will depart from life. The door is open.

If you get food, fine; if not, death is always an option. The door is always open.

_The Stoic acceptance of mortality removes anxiety about material needs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/ix-how-from-the-fact-that-we-are-akin-to-god-a-man-may-proceed-to-the-consequences
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters