# VI: Against Those Who Lament Over Being Pitied explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus argues against being troubled by others' pity, emphasizing that pity concerns the giver, not the receiver, and that one should focus on cultivating right opinions about externals like poverty and lack of power. He criticizes those who seek to avoid pity through display rather than inner conviction, and urges self-examination and consistent practice of Stoic principles to achieve freedom from disturbance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

Central to the chapter: the student is troubled by others' pity, which is not in his control; Epictetus urges focusing only on his own opinions and actions.

### Desire and Aversion

The student's desire for not being pitied and aversion to pity are examined as misplaced, since they depend on externals.

### Philosophy as Practical Discipline

Epictetus criticizes the student for learning theory but not applying it to daily life, emphasizing practice over mere reading and writing.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker and teacher, addressing a student who is distressed by being pitied.

### Antisthenes

Quoted as saying 'It is a royal thing, O Cyrus, to do right and be ill spoken of.'

### Zeus

Mentioned as unable to convince all men what things are good and bad, highlighting the difficulty of the task.

### Caesar

Referenced in the context of those who seek to flatter and gain favor in the house of Caesar.

## Key lines

> It is a royal thing, O Cyrus, to do right (well) and to be ill spoken of.

Doing what is right while being criticized is a noble and kingly act.

_Antisthenes' saying is used to illustrate that one should not be disturbed by others' opinions._

> How then have you not yet convinced yourself in order to learn?

If you cannot persuade yourself, how can you expect to persuade others?

_Epictetus challenges the student to first internalize Stoic teachings before trying to change others' views._

> Will you not then, letting others alone, be to yourself both scholar and teacher?

Stop worrying about others and become your own student and instructor.

_A call for self-reliance and personal responsibility in philosophical practice._

## Links

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