# Chapter LXVIII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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