# LXX explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author and teacher, presenting the core argument against retaliation and defining true contemptibility.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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