Discourses and Selected Writings

People are “responsible” for their “impulse […] desire, aversion and […] mental faculties in general,” but they are not responsible for their “body, material possessions […] reputation, status—in a word, anything not in our power to control” (221). When people confuse what they are not responsible for with what they are responsible for, or what belongs to them and what does not, it leads to fear and despair. On the other hand, if there is no such confusion, then that person has freedom and “will never blame or criticize anyone” (221).

Epictetus recommends that, when one receives a strong impression, they should recognize that there is a difference between the impression and its cause. Next, they should consider if the impression is something they can control. If it is not, then they must not bother with it.

People should reserve their “aversion” (222) not to everything they would prefer to not experience, but only toward what is under people’s control and is not a part of the average human experience. Having “resentment” toward “illness, death or poverty” will only cause “disappointment” (222), as will having desire for anything outside their control or what is bad for them.