Short Works · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Epictetus warns against taking pride in external possessions or advantages, such as a beautiful horse, as they are not truly our own.
What happens
Epictetus warns against taking pride in external possessions or advantages, such as a beautiful horse, as they are not truly our own. True elation is only justified when it stems from our own virtuous use of impressions, which is the only good under our control.
Themes in this chapter
Dichotomy of Control
Central theme. Clearly distinguishes between what is ours (the use of appearances) and what is not (external advantages like a beautiful horse).
Virtue as the Only Good
Implied. True elation is reserved for the correct use of impressions, which is the only good that belongs to us.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The narrator and teacher, delivering the core lesson on distinguishing between external possessions and internal virtue.
Key passages
“Be not elated at any advantage (excellence), which belongs to another.”
Do not feel proud of a quality or possession that is not inherently yours.
The opening command, setting the stage for the dichotomy.
“If a horse when he is elated should say, I am beautiful, one might endure it. But when you are elated, and say, I have a beautiful horse, you must know that you are elated at having a good horse.”
A horse's pride in its own beauty is understandable, but your pride in owning a beautiful horse is misplaced, as the beauty belongs to the horse, not to you.
Uses an analogy to illustrate the folly of taking credit for external attributes.
“Consequently when in the use of appearances you are conformable to nature, then be elated, for then you will be elated at something good which is your own.”
Therefore, you may only rightly feel proud when you correctly judge and use your impressions according to nature, as this good is truly your own.
Provides the positive counterpoint, defining the only valid source of pride.