# CLIV explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

The chapter asserts that difficult circumstances are the true test of relationships, revealing who one's genuine friends and hidden enemies are.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Duty and Relationship

Examines the nature of true friendship and enmity, framed as a test revealed by necessity and circumstance.

## Key lines

> The necessity of circumstances proves friends and detects enemies.

When you are in a difficult situation, you find out who your real friends are and who your secret enemies are.

_The core maxim of the chapter, presenting adversity as a crucible for revealing the truth of relationships._

## Links

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