Short Works · Chapter
CXLIII explained
Epictetus argues that pleasure and pain are not inherent in things themselves but are judgments formed and reinforced by habit and custom.
What happens
Epictetus argues that pleasure and pain are not inherent in things themselves but are judgments formed and reinforced by habit and custom.
Themes in this chapter
Dichotomy of Control
Clarifies that our judgments (which are within our control), not external things, determine what is pleasant or unpleasant.
Reason as Guide and Consolation
Implies that through rational examination, we can undo the habits of judgment that cause us distress.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The author presenting the core argument on the nature of pleasure and pain.
Key passages
“Nothing really pleasant or unpleasant subsists by nature, but all things become so through habit (custom).”
Our feelings of pleasure and pain are not caused by the inherent qualities of objects or events but are learned responses built up by repeated experience and societal conditioning.
The central thesis of the chapter, challenging the instinctive belief that things are inherently good or bad.