# Chapter XLIII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus presents the metaphor of the two handles, advising that every situation has an aspect we can productively bear and one we cannot. He illustrates this with the example of an unjust brother, urging us to focus on the familial bond (the bearable handle) rather than the injustice itself (the unbearable handle).

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

The 'two handles' metaphor directly applies the dichotomy: we cannot control a brother's unjust act, but we can control our perspective and choice of which 'handle' (interpretation) to grasp.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Offers a concrete technique for maintaining equanimity and proper social conduct by consciously shifting one's focus in a challenging interpersonal situation.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The narrator and teacher, delivering the central metaphor and practical advice on perspective.

## Key lines

> Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be borne, the other by which it may not.

Every circumstance offers multiple perspectives; one leads to distress, the other to acceptance.

_The foundational metaphor of the chapter._

> If your brother acts unjustly, do not lay hold of the act by that handle wherein he acts unjustly, for this is the handle which cannot be borne: but lay hold of the other, that he is your brother...

When wronged by family, don't fixate on the wrong. Instead, focus on your enduring relationship.

_The primary practical application of the two-handle principle._

## Links

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