# Chapter XXVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author of the aphorism, presenting a core Stoic metaphysical view on the nature of evil.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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