Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 20 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 20
Remember that it is not he who reviles you or strikes you, who insults you, but it is your opinion about these things as being insulting. When then a man irritates you, you must know that it is your own opinion which has irritated you. Therefore especially try not to be carried away by the appearance. For if you once gain time and delay, you will more easily master yourself.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 20, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/20
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIt is not the person who insults or hits you that upsets you but your own judgement that you have been insulted. When someone irritates you, remember the irritation comes from your opinion, and buy yourself time before reacting, since a pause makes self-control far easier.
Older wording
- “reviles”
- — verbally abuses
- “appearance”
- — the impression your mind receives of something
Themes and situations
- Insult and criticism
- Judgements and impressions
- Anger
- What is in our control
- Emotions and the passions
- Being criticised or insulted
- Being angry with someone
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