Short Works · Chapter
Chapter XXVII explained
A brief, aphoristic chapter asserting that just as a target is not set up to be missed, evil does not exist as an inherent part of the world's nature.
What happens
A brief, aphoristic chapter asserting that just as a target is not set up to be missed, evil does not exist as an inherent part of the world's nature.
Themes in this chapter
Acceptance of Nature and Fate
Directly addresses the Stoic view of the cosmos, arguing that evil is not an inherent feature of Nature's design, which should be accepted.
Reason as Guide and Consolation
Implies that using reason correctly leads to the understanding that the world is not fundamentally evil, offering a consoling perspective.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The author of the aphorism, presenting a core Stoic metaphysical view on the nature of evil.
Key passages
“As a mark is not set up for the purpose of missing the aim, so neither does the nature of evil exist in the world.”
A target exists to be hit, not missed. Similarly, the fundamental design of the world does not include evil as an intended feature.
Uses an analogy from archery to make a metaphysical claim about the providential, rational order of the cosmos.