# LXXVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker providing the core advice on safety, silence, and reasoned speech.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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