# Chapter XXXVIII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus offers a practical analogy, comparing the care one takes to avoid physical injury while walking to the greater care one must take to protect one's ruling faculty (hegemonikon) in every action.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dichotomy of Control

The ruling faculty is within our control, and we must guard it as our primary responsibility, more than external physical safety.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Presents a concrete, everyday analogy to instill the habit of constant vigilance over one's judgments and choices.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker, delivering the core analogy and instruction on safeguarding the ruling faculty.

## Key lines

> In walking about as you take care not to step on a nail or to sprain your foot, so take care not to damage your own ruling faculty

Just as you are careful to avoid physical harm when you walk, be even more careful to avoid corrupting or harming your mind's capacity for judgment.

_The core analogy, elevating the care of the mind above the care of the body._

> if we observe this rule in every act, we shall undertake the act with more security.

If you apply this principle of protecting your judgment to everything you do, you will act with greater confidence and stability.

_The promised benefit of this constant discipline: a secure and untroubled approach to life._

## Links

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