# LXXXII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus contrasts material adornment with the cultivation of wisdom, arguing that true governance and a well-ordered state depend on educating the minds of its citizens and leaders, not on physical opulence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moderation and Simplicity

Explicitly rejects lavish material decoration (valuable stones) in favor of intellectual and moral cultivation.

### Social Duty and Relationship

Focuses on the proper adornment and governance of the state, emphasizing the duty to educate citizens and administrators for the common good.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker, delivering the core instruction on governance and value.

## Key lines

> Do not decorate the walls of your house with the valuable stones from Euboea and Sparta; but adorn the minds (breasts) of the citizens and of those who administer the state with the instruction which comes from Hellas (Greece).

Invest in educating people, not in expensive building materials.

_Core contrast between material and intellectual investment._

> For states are well governed by the wisdom (judgment) of men, but not by stone and wood.

Good governance comes from wise people, not from impressive buildings.

_Direct statement on the source of effective rule._

## Links

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