The following text is an excerpt from the Enchiridion, by the great Epictetus. What psychologists do today with psychology—analysis from the outside-in—the Stoics did with philosophy—disciplines from the inside-out. Sort of the ancient Serenity Prayer…
Wisdom, withstanding the test of time, for more than 2,000 years.
Epictetus says…
Of things, some are in our power, and others not.
In our power are opinion, movement toward a thing, desire, aversion (turning from a thing); and, in a word, whatever are our own acts.
Not in our power are the body, property and reputation, and in a word, whatever are not our own acts.
The things in our power are by nature free, not subject to restraint nor hindrance. But, the things not in our power are weak, slavish, subject to restraint, and in the power of others.
Remember, then, if you mistake the things which are by nature slavish to be free, and the things that are in the power of others to be your own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed, you will blame both gods and men.
But, if you think that only what is your own to be your own, and if you think what is another’s as it really is, belonging to another, no man will ever compel you, no man will hinder you, you will never blame any man, you will accuse no man, you will do nothing involuntarily (against your will), no man will harm you, you will have no enemy, for you will not suffer any harm.
Straightway practice saying to every harsh appearance, “You are an appearance, and in no manner what you appear to be.” Then, examine it by the rules which you possess, this first and chiefly: Whether such appearance relates to the things that are in your power or relates to the things that are not in your power; and, if such appearance relates to anything that is not in your power, be ready to say, that it does not concern you.
People are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.
It is the act of an ill-instructed person to blame others for a bad condition of self; it is the act of one who has begun to be instructed to lay blame on self; and of the one whose instruction is completed, neither to blame another nor self.
Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.
Of things, some are in our power, and others not…Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.
Abridgement Copyright © 2016 Gregg Zegarelli. Gregg can be contacted through LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/epictetus-tranquil-flow-life-gregg-zegarelli-esq-
________________________________
You might also like:
Theodore Roosevelt-The Strenuous Life – Abridgment Series
Seneca. On the Misfortune of Good Men. Abridgment Series
________________________________
GRZ17 GRZUID17X
<< Back to prior Abridgment Series [#GRZ_7] – Forward to next Abridgment Series [#GRZ_18] >>
Leave a Reply