Exam 5: Epictetus

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -In Epictetus's view, the only things we can truly call our own are our bodies.

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus recommends that we refrain from:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus recommends that we act:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that if the wife and children of a virtuous man were to die, he should feel:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that a perfectly moral person will do nothing against her or his own will.

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus argues that piety requires obeying the gods.

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that when our loved ones die we should:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -What is Epictetus's view of the gods, and how does it inform his views about how we ought to live? To what extent are his ethical views separable from his theological beliefs?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -How does Epictetus claim that we should respond when we are harmed by others? What do you think is the strongest objection to his view, and how do you think he would respond to it? Do you think the objection is successful? Why or why not?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that to be free, we must:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -According to Epictetus, our attitude toward things outside of our control should be one of:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that when someone strikes you, what really angers you is:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims if an event is not in our control, it:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -What key distinction does Epictetus claim we must bear in mind when making decisions about what to pursue? Which kinds of things does he think we should strive for, and which should we try to avoid?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." What does he mean by this? What implications does he think this view has for how we should live our lives? Do you find his position plausible?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -According to Epictetus, the only thing that is intrinsically evil is:

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -What is freedom for Epictetus, and how does he think that we can achieve it? In what sense does Epictetus think that a free person can never be harmed? Do you think he is right about this?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims that we should not be disturbed by the deaths of our loved ones. How does he argue for this view? Is this an attractive ideal?

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -Epictetus claims it is appropriate to feel grief when a loved one dies.

Epictetus: Enchiridion Epictetus defends an austere conception of the good life as one of restraint, resignation, and lack of attachment. He motivates this conception of the good life by noting that some things are under our control while others are not. For example, our thoughts, our responses to the situations in which we find ourselves, and our decisions about how to behave are in our power. But the conditions into which we are born, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and the actions of others are not in our power. Epictetus claims that the wise person concerns himself only with the former, refusing to become attached to material things or those closest to him. If we concern ourselves with things outside of our control, we are bound to be disappointed. On the other hand, if we concern ourselves only with our own thoughts and decisions, then as Socrates said, others might "have the power to put me to death, but not to harm me." Underlying this view is Epictetus's claim that "there is nothing intrinsically evil in the world." In saying this, Epictetus suggests that valuing is ultimately a subjective activity. As an example, Epictetus considers the death of a loved one. What distresses us in such a case is not the event itself, for the event does not distress others in the same way. Rather, what distresses us is our judgments of events. Judgments, however, are in our control. By choosing to accept things that are outside of our power, we can spare ourselves unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus endorses a simple life devoid of attachments, avoiding bodily pleasures and strong emotions. We should accept the roles in which we find ourselves, for they are given by the gods and are outside of our control. It is not by trying to shape the world to our wills, but rather by refusing to desire things beyond the power of our wills, that we find true freedom. -According to Epictetus, the ignorant man __________, and the philosopher __________.