# CLXX explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus uses a witty analogy to deflate a young man's boast about conversing with wise men, comparing it to conversing with rich men without becoming rich, thus highlighting the distinction between mere association and genuine acquisition of qualities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The anecdote is a practical lesson against vanity and empty boasting, emphasizing that true wisdom is an internal state achieved through practice, not mere association.

### Virtue as the Only Good

Implied critique that wisdom (a virtue) cannot be acquired passively like external possessions; it must be cultivated within.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

Delivers the core analogy to challenge the young man's boast, demonstrating practical teaching through pointed dialogue.

### Socrates

Implied philosophical tradition; the 'wise men' the youth claims to have conversed with are likely in the Socratic lineage.

## Key lines

> I am wise, for I have conversed with many wise men;

The young man claims wisdom based solely on his associations.

_Represents a common misunderstanding of philosophical attainment._

> I also have conversed with many rich men, but I am not rich.

Epictetus counters that exposure does not equal possession.

_Uses analogy to expose the logical flaw in the boast, focusing on the internal nature of true qualities._

## Links

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