# CLXVIII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

The chapter asserts that it is unreasonable to be troubled by events that occur due to the necessity of nature, framing such distress as a failure to accept the natural order.

## Themes in this chapter

### Acceptance of Nature and Fate

Directly addresses the core Stoic principle that grieving over events dictated by natural necessity is irrational.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author delivering the core teaching on the unreasonableness of grieving over natural necessity.

## Key lines

> He is unreasonable who is grieved (troubled) at the things which happen from the necessity of nature.

It is illogical and contrary to reason to feel sorrow or distress over events that are an inevitable part of the natural order.

_The central, singular argument of the chapter._

## Links

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