# CXVIII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A brief, aphoristic instruction to prioritize daily spiritual reflection and philosophical discourse about God over physical nourishment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Prescribes a concrete daily habit (talk of God) as a discipline to cultivate the philosophical life.

### Reason as Guide and Consolation

Implies that regular contemplation of the divine, rational principle (God) is more essential for the soul than food is for the body.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author of the instruction, advising the reader on daily practice.

### The Gods

The central subject of the recommended daily discourse and reflection.

## Key lines

> Let your talk of God be renewed every day, rather than your food.

Make daily philosophical conversation about God a higher priority than your daily meal.

_Emphasizes the primacy of spiritual and intellectual sustenance over physical needs._

## Links

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