The Enchiridion of Epictetus is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by one of his disciples. Although the content is similar to the Discourses of Epictetus, it is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts.
I've read and summarised The Enchiridion, I'd be interested if anyone has a different interpretations of them, especially 40.
- Some things are under our control and some are not. Focus only on what is under your control.
- Don’t aim or expect to avoid things outside of your control.
- Recognise all the things you possess and be mentally prepared to lose them.
- Have as a goal to remain tranquil. When things go ‘wrong’ you can still succeed in your goal of remaining tranquil by choosing to do so.
- It is not things that disturb us but our judgements about them. When you are disturbed don’t blame anyone but yourself.
- Don’t take pride in things not your own.
- Be prepared for emergencies to occur in life. As you age, take fewer risks.
- Accept what happens.
- Your mind is separate to your body. Bodily injuries are not an excuse for poor morals.
- For every challenge there is a solution, remain calm and decide how best to deal with them as they come.
- Everything in life is temporary. Be prepared to lose everything eventually.
- Do not let your peace of mind depend upon externals. With small breakages or troubles, tell yourself they are the price you choose to pay for a peaceful mind.
- Be content not to control other people’s view of you, and when people praise you, distrust yourself.
- Do not will that your loved ones live forever, or that other people won’t do wrong. These are out of your control. Only make it your will to do what is in your power.
- Take what comes to you. Do not fret what does not.
- It is our judgements of things that make us sad. That said, do not refuse to console someone who has made themselves sad.
- Play the cards you’re dealt in life. Do not complain about them.
- You can choose the judgement you place on events.
- Just because people have more things than you it doesn’t mean they’re happy. The only consistent way to be happy is to stop focusing on externals.
- If you are offended or irritated it’s because you’ve chosen to be offended or irritated. Delaying your judgement is a good method to avoid this.
- Memento mori. It keeps things in perspective.
- People will ridicule you for your principles. Be prepared for this, don’t react to it or act superior. Abiding by your principles is the only way to convince people of their value.
- Don’t turn to externals to please someone. Living in accordance with your philosophy is the best way to demonstrate the value of it.
- Do not live life to fulfil the expectations of others and do not sacrifice your principles to putatively aid your friend or country.
- Be happy of others’ success. They have paid a price somewhere to achieve it, do not expect the same if you have not paid that price…But it’s very likely not to your interest to pay it.
- We feel terrible when some misfortune befalls us and nothing when it befalls others. Keep that in mind.
- Evil exists to tempt people.
- If a stranger was given control over your body you would be vexed. So why voluntarily give them control of your mind by reacting to their opinion of you?
- Don’t flit about. Consider projects before starting and foresee what difficulties lie ahead, so you are ready for them and don’t end up quitting like a child.
- Don’t let people’s bad behaviour toward you affect how you treat them.
- Have faith that what happens is for the best. Focus only on what is in your control.
- Ask a question only when the answer will affect your decision. If it is your duty to do something, the knowledge that you might suffer injury should not affect your decision to do it.
- Decide how you wish to behave and be consistent in acting thus. You become like those you associate with so take care who you associate with. When attending public shows, avoid falling into the behaviour of the crowd. Exercise restraint both in food and talk. Don't talk about yourself much, it's not as interesting to other people as it is to you. Don't gossip about people and don't get defensive if people gossip about you. Avoid taking unnecessary oaths. Avoid sex before marriage. Don't be preachy or act superior.
- Weigh the joy you’ll get from indulging against the damage done from indulging. Consider also the joy you’ll feel after successfully avoiding an indulgement.
- Don’t fear those who rebuke you wrongly. Have confidence in your actions.
- Don’t be a glutton. Show respect to your host.
- Don’t take roles above your ability.
- Take care of your morality as you do your body.
- Don’t take more than your body needs.
- Accept how society views you. Don’t lie about it.
- Focus on your mind rather than on physical pleasures.
- Other people don’t see things as you do. They act based upon what they think is right. Remember this and you will be gentler towards them.
- You choose how to grab hold of things. If your brother mistreats you, you can act as though he is your enemy, but it is better to treat him as your brother.
- You are more than your possessions.
- Don’t judge actions before you know their reasons.
- Live by actions, not talk. Don’t be provoked by laymen discussing a topic you think you know a lot about. Exercise restraint and humility.
- Don’t show off or seek admiration.
- The wise man looks for help from within rather than from without.
- Don’t adopt airs. Just because you can interpret great works doesn’t mean you are living up to them.
- Keep to your principles like laws. Care more about them than what other people say of you.
- You have the necessary information to fix yourself, but you keep putting it off. Are you waiting for someone else to do it for you? Decide to make progress and view and overcome challenges like an athlete at the Olympic games.
- How you actually behave is more valuable than theoretical arguments.
- Que será, será. Resign yourself to things outside of your control.
