# LXXXIX explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A brief, metaphorical chapter advising against placing one's life on a single hope, comparing it to a ship that should not rely on one small anchor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reason as Guide and Consolation

The chapter uses reasoned analogy (ship and anchor) to advise on a prudent approach to life's uncertainties, suggesting one should not be psychologically dependent on a single external outcome.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Offers a practical rule for living: cultivate multiple sources of resilience and expectation to avoid being capsized by the failure of any one hope.

## Key lines

> Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.

Just as a ship needs more than one anchor to stay secure, a person should not base their entire well-being on just one desired outcome.

_A concise metaphorical maxim warning against over-dependence on any single external prospect for security or happiness._

## Links

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