# XXIV: That We Ought Not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are Not in Our Power explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus argues that we should not be disturbed by desires for things outside our control, such as possessions, relationships, or places. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from recognizing what is our own—the use of appearances—and what belongs to others. Using examples from Diogenes, Socrates, and Hercules, he shows that an affectionate and happy life is possible only when we accept mortality and change, and do not cling to transient things.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

The chapter's core theme: distinguishing what is our own (use of appearances) from what is not (possessions, relationships, places), and not being moved by desire for the latter.

### Freedom and Slavery

Explored through Diogenes's freedom from attachment and the idea that one becomes a slave by being overpowered by external things like pleasure, pain, or fame.

### Providence and Acceptance

Emphasizes accepting mortality and change as part of divine order, with God as a father who has made all men for happiness.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The primary speaker, delivering a discourse on not being moved by desire for things not in our power.

### Socrates

Cited as an example of loving his children as a free man, remembering to be a friend to the gods first.

### Diogenes

Used as a model of freedom and affection for mankind, who was made free by Antisthenes and lived without attachment to place.

### Hercules

Mentioned as one who traveled the world, married, and left his children without lament, knowing no man is an orphan.

### Antisthenes

Credited with teaching Diogenes what is his own and what is not, thereby making him free.

### Chrysippus

Referenced in a rhetorical question about philosophy's harm, implying his labors are not useless.

## Key lines

> if you kiss your own child, or your brother or friend, never give full license to the appearance, and allow not your pleasure to go as far as it chooses; but check it, and curb it as those who stand behind men in their triumphs and remind them that they are mortal.

When you embrace a loved one, remember they are mortal and not your possession, just as a triumph's attendant whispers 'remember you are mortal.'

_Epictetus advises tempering affection with the awareness of impermanence._

> Ever since Antisthenes made me free, I have not been a slave.

Diogenes claimed that Antisthenes freed him by teaching what truly belongs to oneself.

_Freedom comes from understanding the dichotomy of control._

> For such as winter is to a fig, such is every state of things which is not consistent with the promise to that which is desired.

Wishing for a friend or child when it is not allowed is like wishing for figs in winter—foolish and contrary to nature.

_Desires must align with what is seasonable and within our power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxiv-that-we-ought-not-to-be-moved-by-a-desire-of-those-things-which-are-not-in-our-power
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters