# C explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A concise, direct statement on the necessity of aligning thought with ethical action, asserting that forbidden actions must be excluded even from consideration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The excerpt is a foundational rule for ethical living, emphasizing that self-discipline begins with governing one's thoughts to prevent wrongful actions.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author of the aphorism, presenting a core principle of Stoic self-discipline.

## Key lines

> What we ought not to do, we should not even think of doing.

Prohibited actions must be banished from the mind entirely, not just avoided in deed.

_Highlights the Stoic focus on internal governance as the root of ethical behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/c
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters