Short Works · Chapter
LXX explained
Epictetus argues that the fear of being despised for not retaliating against hostility is a sign of ignoble and foolish thinking.
What happens
Epictetus argues that the fear of being despised for not retaliating against hostility is a sign of ignoble and foolish thinking. True contemptibility lies not in the inability to do harm, but in the inability to do good.
Themes in this chapter
Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline
Provides a practical rule for social conduct, advising against retaliatory harm and redefining strength as the capacity for good.
Inner Freedom and Slavery
Challenges the slavery to external opinion, suggesting true freedom comes from acting virtuously regardless of how others perceive a lack of retaliation.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The author and teacher, presenting the core argument against retaliation and defining true contemptibility.
Key passages
“To suppose that we shall be easily despised by others, if we do not in every way do some damage to those who first show us their hostility, is the mark of very ignoble and foolish men”
Thinking we'll be looked down on for not hitting back is a sign of low character and poor judgment.
Condemns the motivation for retaliation as rooted in fear and poor self-worth.
“much rather is a man considered to be contemptible because of his inability to do what is good (useful)”
A person is truly contemptible for being unable to do good, not for being unable to do harm.
Inverts the common notion of strength, defining it by constructive, virtuous action rather than destructive power.