Handbook - Chapter Two
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 following desire promises the attainment of that of which you are desirous; and aversion promises the avoiding that to which you are averse.
Chapter: 2 of 53
Sections: 1
Author: Epictetus
2. Remember that following desire promises the attainment of that of which you are desirous; and aversion promises the avoiding that to which you are averse.
However, he who fails to obtain the object of his desire is disappointed, and he who incurs the object of his aversion wretched.
If, then, you confine your aversion to those objects only which are contrary to the natural use of your faculties, which you have in your own control, you will never incur anything to which you are averse.
But if you are averse to sickness, or death, or poverty, you will be wretched.
Remove aversion, then, from all things that are not in our control, and transfer it to things contrary to the nature of what is in our control.
But, for the present, totally suppress desire: for, if you desire any of the things which are not in your own control, you must necessarily be disappointed; and of those which are, and which it would be laudable to desire, nothing is yet in your possession.
Use only the appropriate actions of pursuit and avoidance; and even these lightly, and with gentleness and reservation.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Two (Chapter 2 of 53)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
2. Remember that following desire promises the attainment of that of which you are desirous; and aversion promises the avoiding that to which you are averse.
However, he who fails to obtain the object of his desire is disappointed, and he who incurs the object of his aversion wretched.
If, then, you confine your aversion to those objects only which are contrary to the natural use of your faculties, which you have in your own control, you will never incur anything to which you are averse.
But if you are averse to sickness, or death, or poverty, you will be wretched.
Remove aversion, then, from all things that are not in our control, and transfer it to things contrary to the nature of what is in our control.
But, for the present, totally suppress desire: for, if you desire any of the things which are not in your own control, you must necessarily be disappointed; and of those which are, and which it would be laudable to desire, nothing is yet in your possession.
Use only the appropriate actions of pursuit and avoidance; and even these lightly, and with gentleness and reservation.