Analysis Of Epictetus Discourse

Epictetus’ discourse begins by discussing the things that are in our power in addition to the things that are not. He provides examples that demonstrates the possibility of confusing the two. He explains, “How far does the grammatic art possess the contemplating power? As far as forming a judgment about what is written and spoken. And how far music? As far as judging about melody. Does either of them then contemplate itself? By no means.” Epictetus is explaining that humans have power over the arts. We select what words we speak and write, in addition to the sentence structures we use to convey these thoughts. We choose these things in the same manner that we choose to make music and the musical elements that are used to create the piece. Despite this, “But when you must write something to your friend, grammar will tell you what words you should write; but whether you should write or not, grammar will not tell you”. This indicates that we are presented with rules, but we have the …show more content…
“To the rational animal only is the irrational intolerable; but that which is rational is tolerable.” Therefore, it is important to think before one acts in order to act morally. Since humans are “rational animals” this is the only action that makes sense. To be our best, we need to thoroughly consider our standing in society and in the world and to take actions that will benefit not only ourselves, but others. However, the definition and what is rational and what is not rational depends on the particular person that is having the thought. As Epictetus explains, a man wanting to commit suicide does not appear rational to many, but since it is rational for the person who thinks it, this is the action that they will take. Therefore, it is important to consider that men have distinct thoughts from one another and that the thoughts they have can make sense within the context of their own