Discourses 4.1 ¶8 — Epictetus

Epictetus, Discourses 4.1 ¶8

What then is that which makes a man free from hindrance and makes him his own master? For wealth does not do it, nor consulship, nor provincial government, nor royal power; but something else must be discovered. What then is that which when we write makes us free from hindrance and unimpeded? The knowledge of the art of writing. What then is it in playing the lute? The science of playing the lute. Therefore in life also it is the science of life. You have then heard in a general way: but examine the thing also in the several parts. Is it possible that he who desires any of the things which depend on others can be free from hindrance? No.—Is it possible for him to be unimpeded? No.—Therefore he cannot be free. Consider then: whether we have nothing which is in our own power only, or whether we have all things, or whether some things are in our own power, and others in the power of others.—“What do you mean?”—When you wish the body to be entire (sound), is it in your power or not?—“It is not in my power.”—When you wish it to be healthy?—“Neither is this in my power.”—When you wish it to be handsome?—“Nor is this.”—Life or death?—“Neither is this in my power.”—Your body then is another’s, subject to every man who is stronger than yourself—“It is.”—But your estate, is it in your power to have it when you please, and as long as you please, and such as you please?—“No.”—And your slaves?—“No.”—And your clothes?—“No.”—And your house?—“No.”—And your horses?—“Not one of these things.”—And if you wish by all means your children to live, or your wife, or your brother, or your friends, is it in your power?—“This also is not in my power.”