Chapter Seventeen
17:1
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: Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
17. Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one.
If it is his pleasure you should act a poor man, a cripple, a governor, or a private person, see that you act it naturally.
For this is your business, to act well the character assigned you; to choose it is another's.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Subtitle: Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
Location: Chapter 17, Section 1
Content:
17. Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one.
If it is his pleasure you should act a poor man, a cripple, a governor, or a private person, see that you act it naturally.
For this is your business, to act well the character assigned you; to choose it is another's.