Short Works · Chapter
On Piety Towards the Gods explained
This chapter defines true piety as holding correct opinions about the gods—believing they exist and govern the universe justly—and obeying them by willingly accepting all events as the product of divine wisdom.
What happens
This chapter defines true piety as holding correct opinions about the gods—believing they exist and govern the universe justly—and obeying them by willingly accepting all events as the product of divine wisdom. It argues that blaming the gods stems from mistakenly classifying external events as good or evil. True piety is achieved only by placing good and evil solely within our own power, aligning our desires and aversions with nature, which naturally leads to proper religious observance through traditional rites performed with purity and proportion.
Themes in this chapter
Dichotomy of Control
Core argument: piety and freedom from blaming the gods are impossible unless we withdraw our good/evil judgments from externals and place them only in what is in our power.
Acceptance of Nature and Fate
Defines piety as yielding to and voluntarily following everything that happens, viewing events as accomplished by the wisest intelligence (the divine administration of the universe).
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The narrator and teacher, providing the core instruction on piety, the dichotomy of control, and the proper attitude towards the gods.
- The Gods
Central subject of the chapter; described as existing and administering the universe with wisdom and justice, to whom obedience and voluntary submission is due.
Key passages
“As to piety towards the Gods you must know that this is the chief thing, to have right opinions about them, to think that they exist, and that they administer the All well and justly; and you must fix yourself in this principle (duty), to obey them, and to yield to them in everything which happens, and voluntarily to follow it as being accomplished by the wisest intelligence.”
True piety begins with believing the gods exist and rule justly. Our duty is to obey them, accept every event willingly, and follow their plan as the product of perfect wisdom.
Establishes the foundational definition of piety as intellectual assent and voluntary submission.
“For if you think that any of the things which are not in our power is good or bad, it is absolutely necessary that, when you do not obtain what you wish... you will find fault and hate those who are the cause of them...”
If you label external things as good or bad, you will inevitably blame and resent the causes (including the gods) when you don't get what you want.
Explains the psychological mechanism that leads to impiety: misplacement of value judgments.
“But to make libations and to sacrifice and to offer first fruits according to the custom of our fathers, purely and not meanly nor carelessly nor scantily nor above our ability, is a thing which belongs to all to do.”
Performing traditional rituals with purity, proper effort, and within one's means is the appropriate external act of piety for everyone.
Connects the internal philosophical attitude with its external, customary expression in religious practice.