Short Works · Chapter
CLXXX explained
Aulus Gellius recounts reading from the fifth book of Epictetus's Discourses, which details the Stoic distinction between involuntary initial impressions (visa/phantasiai) and the voluntary act of assent (sugkatathesis).
What happens
Aulus Gellius recounts reading from the fifth book of Epictetus's Discourses, which details the Stoic distinction between involuntary initial impressions (visa/phantasiai) and the voluntary act of assent (sugkatathesis). It explains that even a sage will experience a brief, involuntary physical or emotional reaction to a startling event, but differs from the fool by withholding assent from the false appearance of danger, thereby maintaining inner tranquility.
Themes in this chapter
Dichotomy of Control
Central to the chapter: distinguishes between involuntary initial impressions (not in our control) and the act of assent or judgment (within our control).
Reason as Guide and Consolation
The sage uses reason to reject false judgments from terrifying impressions, maintaining inner stability despite initial physical reactions.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
His teachings from the fifth book of Discourses are quoted, providing the core Stoic doctrine on impressions and assent.
- Chrysippus
Cited as an authority whose writings the quoted doctrines of Epictetus are said to congruently align with.
Key passages
“"Visa animi... non voluntatis sunt, neque arbitraria, sed vi quadam sua inferunt sese hominibus noscitanda. Probationes autem... quibus eadem visa noscuntur ac dijudicantur, voluntariae sunt fiuntque hominum arbitratu."”
Mental impressions are not subject to our will or choice, but force themselves upon us for recognition. The judgments, however, by which these same impressions are recognized and assessed, are voluntary and occur by human choice.
Foundational statement of the dichotomy between impression and assent.
“"quum sonus aliquis... sapientis quoque animum paulisper moveri et contrahi et pallescere necessum est... Mox tamen ille sapiens... visa istaec animi sui terrifica non approbat... sed abjicit respuitque..."”
When a sudden sound occurs, even the sage's mind must be momentarily moved, contracted, and grow pale... Soon, however, that sage... does not approve those terrifying mental impressions... but rejects and refuses them...
Illustrates the sage's involuntary physiological reaction followed by the voluntary, rational rejection of fear.