# CXXVI explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A concise, paradoxical statement equating unlawful actions with non-actions, suggesting a Stoic perspective on the true nature and value of deeds that violate universal or divine law.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The excerpt implicitly defines ethical action as action in accordance with law, framing unlawful deeds as philosophically void and not true 'deeds' for a virtuous person.

## Key lines

> The things which are done contrary to law are the same as things which are not done.

Actions that break the law hold no more validity or reality than actions that never occurred.

_This emphasizes a Stoic view that true, meaningful action must align with rational, universal law; transgressive acts are philosophically insignificant._

## Links

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