# CXII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A brief, stark warning about the deceptive and destructive nature of pleasure, which acts as bait to lure people toward ruin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moderation and Simplicity

The chapter directly warns against the dangers of pleasure, framing it as a deceptive lure that leads to destruction, which aligns with the Stoic call for moderation and avoidance of harmful indulgences.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The excerpt serves as practical ethical advice, urging vigilance and self-discipline to recognize and resist the bait of pleasure that leads to negative consequences.

## Key lines

> Pleasure, like a kind of bait, is thrown before (in front of) everything which is really bad, and easily allures greedy souls to the hook of perdition.

Pleasure is a deceptive lure placed in front of harmful things, easily tempting those who desire it into ruin.

_A metaphorical warning comparing pleasure to fishing bait that hides a dangerous hook, leading the undisciplined to disaster._

## Links

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