Chapter Seven
7:1
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: Consider when, on a voyage, your ship is anchored; if you go on shore to get water you may along the way amuse yourself with picking up a shellfish, or an onion.
7. Consider when, on a voyage, your ship is anchored; if you go on shore to get water you may along the way amuse yourself with picking up a shellfish, or an onion.
However, your thoughts and continual attention ought to be bent towards the ship, waiting for the captain to call on board; you must then immediately leave all these things, otherwise you will be thrown into the ship, bound neck and feet like a sheep.
So it is with life.
If, instead of an onion or a shellfish, you are given a wife or child, that is fine.
But if the captain calls, you must run to the ship, leaving them, and regarding none of them.
But if you are old, never go far from the ship: lest, when you are called, you should be unable to come in time.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Seven
Chapter Subtitle: Consider when, on a voyage, your ship is anchored; if you go on shore to get water you may along the way amuse yourself with picking up a shellfish, or an onion.
Location: Chapter 7, Section 1
Content:
7. Consider when, on a voyage, your ship is anchored; if you go on shore to get water you may along the way amuse yourself with picking up a shellfish, or an onion.
However, your thoughts and continual attention ought to be bent towards the ship, waiting for the captain to call on board; you must then immediately leave all these things, otherwise you will be thrown into the ship, bound neck and feet like a sheep.
So it is with life.
If, instead of an onion or a shellfish, you are given a wife or child, that is fine.
But if the captain calls, you must run to the ship, leaving them, and regarding none of them.
But if you are old, never go far from the ship: lest, when you are called, you should be unable to come in time.