# Chapter XCI explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

The chapter presents a brief, aphoristic saying attributed to Thales, which identifies hope as the most universal human attribute, persisting even in the absence of all other things.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reason as Guide and Consolation

The observation on hope is a rational analysis of a fundamental human psychological state, even in dire circumstances.

## Character check-ins

### Thales

The philosopher who provides the central aphorism on the universality of hope.

## Key lines

> When Thales was asked what is most universal, he answered, Hope, for hope stays with those who have nothing else.

Thales declared that hope is the most common human experience, enduring even when every other possession or comfort is gone.

_Highlights the Stoic interest in universal human traits and the power of internal attitudes over external conditions._

## Links

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