Endnotes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Dichotomy of Control

  Reiterated through commentary on not being disturbed by others (e.g., slaves) and focusing on what is in one's own power.

• Virtue as the Only Good

  Implied in discussions where external things like wealth and social status are classified as 'indifferent'.

• Reason as Guide and Consolation

  Highlighted through analysis of using reason to judge appearances and understand divine purpose.

Characters to notice

• Epictetus

  Author of the Enchiridion; his teachings and potential textual errors are discussed.

• Simplicius

  Sixth-century commentator cited for explanations of Epictetus's text and concepts.

• Chrysippus

  Stoic philosopher mentioned in relation to his teacher Cleanthes.

• Socrates

  Quoted from Plato's 'Crito' and 'Apology' in the commentary.

• Lycurgus

  Mentioned as being called a 'god' by the Delphic oracle.

• M. Antoninus

  Referenced for a parallel teaching on sympathy.

• The Gods

  Discussed in the context of piety, divine will, and the nature of events.

Key passages

• “"How hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of God."”

  Riches pose a spiritual danger, a truth observable in life.

  Editorial note comparing the Gospel of Mark to the Stoic view of wealth as indifferent.

• “"the man who places the good and the evil among the things which are in our power, and not in externals, will neither be compelled by any man nor ever injured."”

  True freedom and security come from judging only your own choices as good or evil, not external events.

  Commentary from Simplicius summarizing the core Stoic teaching of the Enchiridion.

• “"Do not chastise your slave while you are in a passion, lest, while you are trying to correct him... you fall into a vice which is a man’s great and only calamity."”

  Correcting another in anger risks you succumbing to the greater vice of passion.

  Schweighaeuser's explanation of a passage on self-control and practical ethics.