Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 1.25 ¶5 — Epictetus
From “On the Same”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 1.25 ¶5
“But I should like to sit where the Senators sit.” Do you see that you are putting yourself in straits, you are squeezing yourself. “How then shall I see well in any other way in the amphitheatre?” Man, do not be a spectator at all; and you will not be squeezed. Why do you give yourself trouble? Or wait a little, and when the spectacle is over, seat yourself in the place reserved for the Senators and sun yourself. For remember this general truth, that it is we who squeeze ourselves, who put ourselves in straits; that is, our opinions squeeze us and put us in straits. For what is it to be reviled? Stand by a stone and revile it; and what will you gain? If then a man listens like a stone, what profit is there to the reviler? But if the reviler has as a stepping-stone (or ladder) the weakness of him who is reviled, then he accomplishes something.—Strip him.—What do you mean by him?—Lay hold of his garment, strip it off. I have insulted you. Much good may it do you.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 1.25 ¶5, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/1.25.5
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWe squeeze ourselves into tight spots by our own opinions, for example by insisting on the best seat and then suffering over it. Abuse works only if the target is hurt by it: a person who takes an insult like a stone gives the abuser nothing to gain, so the reviler can be left to enjoy his insult.
Older wording
- “reviled”
- — abused with insults
- “stepping-stone”
- — something to climb on, here the victim's weakness
Themes and situations
- Insult and criticism
- Judgements and impressions
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Pride and humility
- What is in our control
- Being criticised or insulted
- Everyday irritations
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