# CLXXVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus outlines the core techniques of his philosophical art, focusing on the disciplined management of assent, impulses, desires, and aversions to achieve a tranquil and virtuous life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

Central to the instruction to abstain from desire and apply aversion only to things 'not in our power.'

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Describes the 'art' or practical method for regulating assent, impulses (movements), and emotions through constant attention and exception.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker who articulates his discovered 'art' of managing assent, impulses, desire, and aversion.

## Key lines

> he had discovered an art in giving assent

He claimed to have developed a skillful method for judging and accepting impressions.

_Highlights the disciplined, technical approach to the foundational Stoic act of assent._

> we must observe attention, that the movements be subject to exception, that they be social, that they be according to the worth of each thing

We must be vigilant with our impulses, ensuring they are conditional, considerate of others, and proportionate to the value of the object.

_Lays out a multi-faceted rule for ethical action and impulse control._

> we ought to abstain entirely from desire, and to employ aversion to none of the things which are not in our power

We should completely avoid craving, and we should not reject or try to avoid anything that lies outside our control.

_A direct and strict application of the core Stoic doctrine regarding desire and aversion._

## Links

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