# CXXXV explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

The chapter distinguishes between the ignorant person, who is dissatisfied with present circumstances and fortune's gifts, and the good person, who bears these things nobly and rationally.

## Themes in this chapter

### Acceptance of Nature and Fate

The core distinction is between rejecting one's given circumstances (ignorance) and accepting them with noble rationality (goodness).

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Defines the 'good man' by the practical, disciplined action of bearing fortune's allotments well.

## Key lines

> He who is dissatisfied with things present and what is given by fortune is an ignorant man ( ἰδιώτης ) in life

To be unhappy with your current situation and what chance has provided is the mark of an unphilosophical, common man.

_Highlights the Stoic view that discontent with externals signifies a lack of wisdom._

> but he who bears them nobly and rationally and the things which proceed from them is worthy of being considered a good man.

But the person who endures these circumstances with dignity and reason, including their consequences, deserves to be called a good person.

_Establishes that ethical goodness is found in one's rational and noble response to events, not in the events themselves._

## Links

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