Short Works · Chapter
LXXVII explained
Epictetus advises prioritizing safety and security above all, specifically recommending silence over speech and the omission of senseless or unreasonable talk.
What happens
Epictetus advises prioritizing safety and security above all, specifically recommending silence over speech and the omission of senseless or unreasonable talk.
Themes in this chapter
Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline
The chapter offers a concrete, actionable rule for daily conduct: choose silence and reasoned speech to ensure safety.
Moderation and Simplicity
Advocates for the restraint of speech, avoiding unnecessary or irrational talk as a form of disciplined moderation.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The speaker providing the core advice on safety, silence, and reasoned speech.
Key passages
“Attempt on every occasion to provide for nothing so much as that which is safe: for silence is safer than speaking.”
In every situation, make safety your primary concern, because remaining silent is more secure than speaking.
Establishes a hierarchy of value where safety, achieved through silence, is paramount.
“And omit speaking whatever is without sense and reason.”
Refrain from saying anything that lacks sense and rational foundation.
Extends the advice on silence to specifically censoring irrational or meaningless speech.