# What Solitude Is, and What Kind of Person a Solitary Man Is explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus distinguishes between being alone and being solitary, arguing that true solitude is a state of helplessness, not mere isolation. He uses Zeus as an example of one who is alone yet self-sufficient, and contrasts the false peace provided by Caesar with the genuine security offered by philosophy. The chapter encourages self-sufficiency, inner tranquility, and the practice of virtue even in solitude, concluding with a call to live philosophically and be useful to others through example.

## Themes in this chapter

### Desire and Aversion

Epictetus advises abstaining from desire to eventually desire rationally, linking self-discipline to inner freedom.

### Providence and Acceptance

The chapter emphasizes accepting divine administration and the natural cycle of elements, trusting in the gods' provision.

### Social Duty and Friendship

Epictetus stresses the importance of being useful to others through example and virtuous conduct in daily interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

Primary speaker; defines solitude and advocates for self-sufficiency through philosophical practice.

### Zeus

Used as an example of a being who is alone but not solitary, dwelling with himself in tranquility.

### Caesar

Mentioned as a provider of external peace (e.g., safe travel) but unable to grant inner security from passions.

## Key lines

> For because a man is alone, he is not for that reason also solitary; just as though a man is among numbers, he is not therefore not solitary.

Being physically alone does not make one solitary; conversely, being in a crowd does not guarantee companionship.

_Epictetus redefines solitude as a state of helplessness rather than mere isolation._

> But the doctrine of philosophers promises to give us security (peace) even against these things. And what does it say? Men, if you will attend to me, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you will not feel sorrow, nor anger, nor compulsion, nor hindrance, but you will pass your time without perturbations and free from everything.

Philosophy offers a peace that transcends external circumstances, freeing one from emotional disturbances.

_Contrasts the limited peace from Caesar with the profound security philosophy provides._

> Show to them in your own example what kind of men philosophy makes, and don’t trifle. When you are eating, do good to those who eat with you; when you are drinking, to those who are drinking with you; by yielding to all, giving way, bearing with them, thus do them good, and do not spit on them your phlegm (bad humors).

Be a living example of philosophy's benefits; practice kindness and patience in everyday interactions.

_Epictetus emphasizes practical virtue and social harmony over empty exhortation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xiii-what-solitude-is-and-what-kind-of-person-a-solitary-man-is
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters