Handbook - Chapter Thirteen
Book Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Book Description: In this book, the whole of Epictetus' philosophy is condensed into 52 key lessons by his student Arrian. The handbook was meant to be kept 'on-hand' by ancient students of Stoicism. It is a guide to be referenced when navigating the trials of life. This makes it both a vivid distillation of the most important Stoic ideas and a tool for the practical application of the philosophy.
Chapter Subtitle: If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things.
Chapter: 13 of 53
Sections: 1
Author: Epictetus
13. If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things.
Don't wish to be thought to know anything; and even if you appear to be somebody important to others, distrust yourself.
For, it is difficult to both keep your faculty of choice in a state conformable to nature, and at the same time acquire external things.
But while you are careful about the one, you must of necessity neglect the other.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Thirteen (Chapter 13 of 53)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
13. If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things.
Don't wish to be thought to know anything; and even if you appear to be somebody important to others, distrust yourself.
For, it is difficult to both keep your faculty of choice in a state conformable to nature, and at the same time acquire external things.
But while you are careful about the one, you must of necessity neglect the other.