Short Works · Chapter
L explained
Epictetus instructs the reader to adhere to chosen philosophical principles as inviolable laws, disregarding the opinions of others as irrelevant to one's moral purpose.
What happens
Epictetus instructs the reader to adhere to chosen philosophical principles as inviolable laws, disregarding the opinions of others as irrelevant to one's moral purpose.
Themes in this chapter
Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline
Focuses on the strict, law-like adherence to chosen principles as a practical exercise in self-governance.
Dichotomy of Control
Explicitly distinguishes between what is 'your affair' (adhering to your rules) and what is not (others' opinions).
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The speaker, delivering direct instruction on adhering to philosophical rules.
Key passages
“Whatever things (rules) are proposed to you [for the conduct of life] abide by them, as if they were laws, as if you would be guilty of impiety if you transgressed any of them.”
Treat your chosen philosophical precepts with the utmost seriousness, following them as sacred, unbreakable laws.
Emphasizes the sacred duty of personal discipline.
“And whatever any man shall say about you, do not attend to it: for this is no affair of yours.”
Ignore all external criticism and praise, as the judgments of others are outside your control and concern.
Direct application of the dichotomy of control to social opinion.