# Chapter XXXIV explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus provides a practical method for resisting temptation. He advises pausing when a pleasurable impression arises, considering the future regret that will follow indulgence, and contrasting it with the self-approval gained from abstention. If action is taken, one must guard against being overcome by the pleasure's allure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Offers a concrete, step-by-step technique for exercising self-control and making virtuous choices in the face of temptation.

### Moderation and Simplicity

Advocates for abstaining from harmful pleasures, framing self-denial not as loss but as a victory to be celebrated.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author and teacher, delivering direct advice on managing impressions of pleasure through disciplined reflection.

## Key lines

> If you have received the impression of any pleasure, guard yourself against being carried away by it; but let the thing wait for you, and allow yourself a certain delay on your own part.

When you feel tempted by pleasure, do not act immediately. Create a pause for deliberation.

_Emphasizes the critical Stoic practice of creating a gap between impression and assent._

> Then think of both times, of the time when you will enjoy the pleasure, and of the time after the enjoyment of the pleasure when you will repent and will reproach yourself.

Consider the short-lived enjoyment and the lasting regret that will follow the indulgence.

_Uses a form of negative visualization to reveal the true cost of a pleasurable action._

> And set against these things how you will rejoice if you have abstained from the pleasure, and how you will commend yourself.

Compare that regret with the joy and self-respect you will feel for having shown restraint.

_Posits the superior and lasting good of virtuous self-mastery over transient pleasure._

> But if it seem to you seasonable to undertake the thing, take care that the charm of it, and the pleasure, and the attraction of it shall not conquer you...

Even if you decide to proceed, be vigilant so that the pleasure itself does not overwhelm your rational judgment.

_Acknowledges that not all pleasures are to be avoided, but warns that their sensory appeal can corrupt the choice._

## Links

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