EPICTETUS. . .AGAIN, PART II

Epictetus continues: Getting an education means learning to bring our will in line with the way things happen – which is to say, as the ruler of the universe arranged. He arranged for there to be summer and winter, abundance and lack, virtue and vice – all such opposites meant for the harmony of the whole; and he gave us each a body and bodily parts, material belongings, family and friends.

It is with this arrangement in mind that we should approach instruction, not to alter the facts – but in order to learn the nature of what concerns us, and keep our will in line with events. Can we avoid people? How is that possible? And if we associate with them, can we change them? Who gives us that power? What is the alternative – what means can be found for dealing with them? One that ensures that we remain true to our nature, however other people see fit to behave. That’s not what you do though. No, you gripe and protest against circumstance. If you’re alone, you call it desolation, if you’re in company you describe them all as swindlers and backstabbers; you curse your own sparents, your children, your siblings and neighbors. When you are by yourself you should call it peace and liberty… When you’re with a large group you shouldn’t say you’re in a mob or crowd, but a guest at a feast or festival – and in that spirit learn to enjoy it.

What is the downside for those who refuse to enjoy it? To be just as they are. Is someone unhappy being alone? Leave him to his isolation. Is someone unhappy with his parents? Let him be. . .Is someone unhappy with his children? Let him be a bad father. ‘Throw him in jail?’ What jail? The one he is in already.. .Socrates was not in prison because he chose to be there.

…You forget the virtues of character you have in reserve, just when problems that they can control present themselves, and you could use their help.

You should thank the gods for making you strong enough to survive what you cannot control, and only responsible for what you can. . . .[the gods] made you responsible only for what is in your power [to control and change]. So why take on the burden of matters which you cannot answer for?