# What Is the Property of Error explained — Discourses

> Chapter companion for Discourses by Epictetus.

## What happens

This chapter explores the nature of error as a form of contradiction: every person who errs wishes to be right but fails to achieve what they truly want. It argues that a rational soul naturally recoils from contradiction once it is recognized, and that the art of persuasion lies in revealing this contradiction to others. Socrates is cited as a master of this method, relying on the interlocutor's own reason as the ultimate witness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rationality and Self-Examination

The chapter centers on how rational self-examination reveals contradictions in one's actions and desires, leading to correction.

## Character check-ins

### Socrates

Cited as the exemplar of using logical contradiction to guide others to truth, trusting the interlocutor's own rational judgment.

## Key lines

> Every error comprehends contradiction: for since he who errs does not wish to err, but to be right, it is plain that he does not do what he wishes.

Every mistake involves a contradiction: because the person who is mistaken wants to be correct, not mistaken, so they are clearly failing to achieve what they actually want.

_This defines error as a mismatch between intention and outcome._

> Show the rational governing faculty a contradiction, and it will withdraw from it; but if you do not show it, rather blame yourself than him who is not persuaded.

If you reveal a contradiction to someone's reasoning mind, it will naturally abandon that error; if you fail to show it, the fault is yours, not theirs.

_Emphasizes the teacher's responsibility in making contradictions evident._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se/chapters/xxvi-what-is-the-property-of-error
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_se
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