Handbook - Chapter Twenty-six
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: The will of nature may be learned from those things in which we don't distinguish from each other.
Chapter: 26 of 53
Sections: 1
Author: Epictetus
26. The will of nature may be learned from those things in which we don't distinguish from each other.
For example, when our neighbor's boy breaks a cup, or the like, we are presently ready to say, "These things will happen."
Be assured, then, that when your own cup likewise is broken, you ought to be affected just as when another's cup was broken.
Apply this in like manner to greater things.
Is the child or wife of another dead?
There is no one who would not say, "This is a human accident." but if anyone's own child happens to die, it is presently, "Alas I how wretched am I!"
But it should be remembered how we are affected in hearing the same thing concerning others.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-six (Chapter 26 of 53)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
26. The will of nature may be learned from those things in which we don't distinguish from each other.
For example, when our neighbor's boy breaks a cup, or the like, we are presently ready to say, "These things will happen."
Be assured, then, that when your own cup likewise is broken, you ought to be affected just as when another's cup was broken.
Apply this in like manner to greater things.
Is the child or wife of another dead?
There is no one who would not say, "This is a human accident." but if anyone's own child happens to die, it is presently, "Alas I how wretched am I!"
But it should be remembered how we are affected in hearing the same thing concerning others.