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Chapter LXVIII explained

Epictetus presents the saying of Pittacus, who forgave a wrongdoer when he had the power to exact revenge, arguing that forgiveness is a mark of a gentle nature while revenge is a sign of a savage one.

What happens

Epictetus presents the saying of Pittacus, who forgave a wrongdoer when he had the power to exact revenge, arguing that forgiveness is a mark of a gentle nature while revenge is a sign of a savage one.

Themes in this chapter

  • Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

    The chapter offers a concrete rule for conduct: choosing forgiveness over revenge as a disciplined ethical practice.

  • Virtue as the Only Good

    Forgiveness is presented as a virtuous act that reflects a good (gentle) nature, while revenge is a vice reflecting a bad (savage) nature.

Characters to notice

  • Epictetus

    Relates the anecdote of Pittacus to illustrate a principle of practical ethics.

  • The Gods

    Implied as the source of the rational and gentle nature we are to emulate, in contrast to savagery.

Key passages

  • “Forgiveness is better than revenge: for forgiveness is the sign of a gentle nature, but revenge the sign of a savage nature.”

    Choosing to pardon an injury is superior to retaliating, as it demonstrates a cultivated character, whereas seeking payback reveals a brutish disposition.

    Directly contrasts two fundamental responses to wrongdoing, framing them as indicators of one's inner character.

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