Handbook - Chapter Forty-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: When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty.
Chapter: 42 of 53
Sections: 1
Author: Epictetus
42. When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty.
Now, it is not possible that he should follow what appears right to you, but what appears so to himself.
Therefore, if he judges from a wrong appearance, he is the person hurt, since he too is the person deceived.
For if anyone should suppose a true proposition to be false, the proposition is not hurt, but he who is deceived about it.
Setting out, then, from these principles, you will meekly bear a person who reviles you, for you will say upon every occasion, "It seemed so to him."
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Forty-two (Chapter 42 of 53)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
42. When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty.
Now, it is not possible that he should follow what appears right to you, but what appears so to himself.
Therefore, if he judges from a wrong appearance, he is the person hurt, since he too is the person deceived.
For if anyone should suppose a true proposition to be false, the proposition is not hurt, but he who is deceived about it.
Setting out, then, from these principles, you will meekly bear a person who reviles you, for you will say upon every occasion, "It seemed so to him."