Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 3.26 ¶6 — Epictetus
From “To Those Who Fear Want”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 3.26 ¶6
Relying on what? Not on reputation nor on wealth nor on the power of a magistrate, but on his own strength, that is, on his opinions about the things which are in our power and those which are not. For these are the only things which make men free, which make them escape from hindrance, which raise the head (neck) of those who are depressed, which make them look with steady eyes on the rich and on tyrants. And this was (is) the gift given to the philosopher. But you will not come forth bold, but trembling about your trifling garments and silver vessels. Unhappy man, have you thus wasted your time till now?
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 3.26 ¶6, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/3.26.6
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesReal strength comes not from reputation, wealth or position but from your judgements about what is and is not in your power; these free you, lift your head and let you look the rich and powerful in the eye. Trembling over possessions instead means you have wasted your time.
Older wording
- “magistrate”
- — a public official
- “tyrants”
- — rulers who hold power unjustly
Themes and situations
- What is in our control
- Freedom
- Wealth and poverty
- Courage
- Time and the present
- Money, status and wanting more
- Feeling life is slipping by
- Anxiety about the future
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