# CLXIV: Envy is the antagonist of the fortunate. explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

The chapter defines envy as the adversary of those who are fortunate, positioning it as a destructive internal response to the perceived good of others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The chapter offers a practical ethical definition, identifying envy as a harmful passion that one must guard against to maintain tranquility.

### Inner Freedom and Slavery

Envy is framed as an internal antagonist that enslaves the individual, contrasting with the freedom found in accepting the fortunes of others without perturbation.

## Key lines

> Envy is the antagonist of the fortunate.

Envy acts as the enemy or opponent of people who are doing well.

_A concise, proverbial statement defining the corrosive nature of envy towards success._

## Links

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