# CLXXXI explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Arnobius cites Arrian's report that Epictetus advised acting 'even without reason' in matters concerning the soul's salvation and self-regard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Epictetus's pragmatic advice prioritizes the ultimate goal (the soul's salvation) over strict adherence to a single method (reason), showing flexibility in ethical practice.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

Cited by Arnobius via Arrian as the source of the advice to sometimes act 'without reason' for the soul's salvation.

### The Gods

Implied context, as the excerpt from Arnobius's 'Adversus Gentes' concerns religious matters and the soul's relation to the divine.

## Key lines

> "aliquid et sine ratione faciendum est,"

Something must be done even without reason.

_Epictetus's surprising counsel, as reported by Arrian, suggesting that in the highest spiritual matters, action for salvation may transcend pure rational calculation._

## Links

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