# Chapter LXVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus recounts the story of Lycurgus, who, after being maimed by a citizen, chose to educate and reform the young man rather than seek revenge, transforming him into a good citizen.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Duty and Relationship

Lycurgus prioritizes the improvement and reintegration of a fellow citizen for the good of the community over personal vengeance.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The story exemplifies the practical application of Stoic ethics—using reason to respond to injury with constructive education rather than passion-driven punishment.

## Character check-ins

### Lycurgus

Demonstrates forgiveness and social duty by reforming the citizen who maimed him, rather than punishing him.

### Epictetus

Narrates the anecdote as an exemplary model of philosophical conduct.

## Key lines

> I received from you this youth when he was insolent and violent: I restore him to you gentle and a good citizen.

Lycurgus tells the people he took a violent youth and returned him reformed and virtuous.

_Highlights the transformative power of education and forgiveness over retribution._

## Links

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