Discourses · Chapter
Against Those Who on Account of Sickness Go Away Home explained
Epictetus challenges a student who wishes to return home due to sickness, arguing that the true purpose of study is to correct one's will and maintain a state conformable to nature.
What happens
Epictetus challenges a student who wishes to return home due to sickness, arguing that the true purpose of study is to correct one's will and maintain a state conformable to nature. He emphasizes that disease and death should find us engaged in improving our ruling power, not in trivial pursuits. Using Socrates as a model, he contrasts the philosopher's daily joy in moral progress with the student's attachment to comfort and family.
Themes in this chapter
Dichotomy of Control
Epictetus distinguishes between what is within our will (correcting opinions, maintaining a free ruling power) and what is not (sickness, death, external circumstances).
Freedom and Slavery
True freedom is found in being free from perturbation, hindrance, and compulsion by focusing only on one's own will, not on external comforts.
Providence and Acceptance
The philosopher accepts sickness, poverty, and even death as part of God's administration, giving thanks for the opportunity to participate in the divine order.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
Delivers the discourse, urging the student to focus on correcting his will rather than fleeing sickness.
- Socrates
Cited as an example of one who found daily joy in moral improvement and never claimed to teach trivialities.
- Zeus
Addressed in the imagined prayer of the philosopher who thanks God for the opportunity to participate in the divine administration.
Key passages
“I am sick here, and I wish to return home.”
A student complains of illness and wants to go back to his family.
This opening sets up the central conflict between seeking comfort and pursuing philosophical growth.
“Do you not consider whether you are doing anything here which may be useful to the exercise of your will, that it may be corrected?”
Epictetus asks the student to reflect on whether his stay is helping him improve his character.
Highlights the Stoic emphasis on self-examination and the purpose of philosophical training.
“I wish to be surprised by disease or death when I am looking after nothing else than my own will, that I may be free from perturbation, that I may be free from hindrance, free from compulsion, and in a state of liberty.”
Epictetus desires to be found at death solely occupied with perfecting his will, achieving complete inner freedom.
Illustrates the ideal Stoic readiness for death and the priority of moral autonomy over external circumstances.