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What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Discourses 3.24 ¶12 — Epictetus

From “That We Ought Not to Be Moved by a Desire of Those Things Which Are Not in Our Power”

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Discourses 3.24 ¶12

Having these things (or thoughts) always in hand, and exercising them by yourself, and keeping them in readiness, you will never be in want of one to comfort you and strengthen you. For it is not shameful to be without something to eat, but not to have reason sufficient for keeping away fear and sorrow. But if once you have gained exemption from sorrow and fear, will there any longer be a tyrant for you, or a tyrant’s guard, or attendants on Caesar? Or shall any appointment to offices at court cause you pain, or shall those who sacrifice in the Capitol on the occasion of being named to certain functions, cause pain to you who have received so great authority from Zeus? Only do not make a proud display of it, nor boast of it, but show it by your acts; and if no man perceives it, be satisfied that you are yourself in a healthy state and happy.
— Epictetus, Discourses 3.24 ¶12 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

Cite this passage

Epictetus, Discourses 3.24 ¶12, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/3.24.12

Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

Read Book III, Chapter 24 in context →

In plain English

AI-written notes

If you keep these ideas ready and practise them on your own, you will never need someone else to comfort you. The real shame is not lacking food but lacking the reasoning to keep fear and sorrow away, and once you are free of those, no ruler or promotion can hurt you, though you should not show off about it.

Older wording

“Capitol”
— the temple hill in Rome where officials sacrificed on taking office

Themes and situations

  • Fear and anxiety
  • Peace of mind
  • What is in our control
  • Resilience and endurance
  • Pride and humility
  • Anxiety about the future
  • Loneliness
  • Handling success

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The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.

Epictetus, Discourses 3.24 ¶12, tr. George Long (1877)