Discourses · Chapter
Certain Miscellaneous Matters explained
Epictetus discusses the importance of self-examination and independence, warning against seeking validation from others or boasting about trivial achievements.
What happens
Epictetus discusses the importance of self-examination and independence, warning against seeking validation from others or boasting about trivial achievements. He emphasizes rooting out arrogance and distrust, and defines true human superiority through virtues like modesty, fidelity, and justice rather than social status or physical prowess.
Themes in this chapter
Rationality and Self-Examination
Epictetus urges the reader to examine themselves, walk alone, and know who they are, rejecting reliance on the crowd.
Desire and Aversion
Philosophizing is defined as seeking how to employ desire and aversion without impediment.
Characters to notice
- Socrates
Cited as the first to practice confutation to remove arrogance.
Key passages
“Man, if you are anything, both walk alone and talk to yourself, and do not hide yourself in the chorus.”
If you have any worth, be self-sufficient and reflective rather than blending in with the crowd.
Encourages independence and self-awareness.
“You must root out of men these two things: arrogance (pride) and distrust.”
Two harmful traits to eliminate are thinking you lack nothing and believing happiness is impossible given your circumstances.
Core Stoic advice on overcoming internal obstacles.
“If you tell me that you can kick violently, I also will say to you that you are proud of that which is the act of an ass.”
Boasting about physical strength is as foolish as a donkey being proud of its kick.
Critique of valuing trivial or animal-like abilities over moral virtues.