# Chapter XLVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus advises against pride in frugality and endurance, warning not to perform acts of self-denial for external approval but for genuine self-improvement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moderation and Simplicity

Advocates for frugality (drinking water) but cautions against taking pride in it, focusing on the internal value rather than the external show.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Exhorts to exercise in labour and endurance for one's own sake, not for the spectacle or approval of others, as illustrated by the command to 'do it for yourself, and not for others: do not embrace statues.'

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker delivering the core advice on frugality and the proper internal motivation for endurance.

## Key lines

> When at a small cost you are supplied with everything for the body, do not be proud of this; nor, if you drink water, say on every occasion, I drink water.

Do not boast about your material frugality or make a show of your simple habits like drinking water.

_Warns against virtue-signaling and externalizing one's discipline._

> But consider first how much more frugal the poor are than we, and how much more enduring of labour.

Remember that the poor live with far greater frugality and hardship than you do.

_Provides perspective to counter pride and encourage humility._

> And if you ever wish to exercise yourself in labour and endurance, do it for yourself, and not for others: do not embrace statues.

If you want to train in hardship and endurance, do it for your own benefit, not to impress others—don't perform empty acts like hugging cold statues.

_Critiques performative asceticism and emphasizes internal motivation._

> But if you are ever very thirsty, take a draught of cold water, and spit it out, and tell no man.

If you're truly thirsty, take a drink of water and then spit it out without telling anyone.

_Illustrates an act of self-discipline done entirely privately, for its own sake._

## Links

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