Epictetus was a pronounced stoic philosopher. Born a slave, he eventually gained freedom and lived the rest of his life peacefully in Greece. Although he had humble origins, Epictetus gained an immense following. Epictetus argued that philosophy is not just a learning, but a way of life. Epictetus’ conviction inspired many. Epictetus’s basic philosophical anthropology urges one to differentiate between what is in one’s control, and what is outside one’s control. Through this process, one would be able to accept that terrible circumstances are not terrible in themselves, but that our perception makes it so.
To begin with, Epictetus inclines that the world is divided into what is within our control, and what is outside of it. For example, our own feelings and affairs are our own and therefore in our control, but our body, power, reputation and material possessions are outside of our control and therefore not our own. To Epictetus, this division is essential for happiness, for if we know something is out of our control, it cannot affect us. “And if it concerns anything beyond your power, be prepared to say that it is nothing to you” (216), or else you will uselessly struggle over a battle than cannot be won.
For instance, if one can accept that death is out …show more content…
“Upon every accident, remember to turn toward yourself and inquire what faculty you have for its use” (220); in other words, try and find the use out of every obstacle. For example, bearing pain can harbor fortitude, feeling terror can give you bravery, and grief can build your strength. If you cannot control a situation, you can control how you respond to a situation. As such, you can choose to find the beauty within the ugly. In essence, if one simply understands that the negative feelings such as sadness or anger are caused by one’s perception of a given situation, then one can change one’s
To begin with, Epictetus inclines that the world is divided into what is within our control, and what is outside of it. For example, our own feelings and affairs are our own and therefore in our control, but our body, power, reputation and material possessions are outside of our control and therefore not our own. To Epictetus, this division is essential for happiness, for if we know something is out of our control, it cannot affect us. “And if it concerns anything beyond your power, be prepared to say that it is nothing to you” (216), or else you will uselessly struggle over a battle than cannot be won.
For instance, if one can accept that death is out …show more content…
“Upon every accident, remember to turn toward yourself and inquire what faculty you have for its use” (220); in other words, try and find the use out of every obstacle. For example, bearing pain can harbor fortitude, feeling terror can give you bravery, and grief can build your strength. If you cannot control a situation, you can control how you respond to a situation. As such, you can choose to find the beauty within the ugly. In essence, if one simply understands that the negative feelings such as sadness or anger are caused by one’s perception of a given situation, then one can change one’s