Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 10 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 10
On the occasion of every accident (event) that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use. If you see a fair man or a fair woman, you will find that the power to resist is temperance (continence). If labour (pain) be presented to you, you will find that it is endurance. If it be abusive words, you will find it to be patience. And if you have been thus formed to the (proper) habit, the appearances will not carry you along with them.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 10, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/10
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWhatever happens to you, turn inward and ask which strength of character it calls for. Temptation calls for self-restraint, hardship for endurance and abuse for patience, and if you build these habits, outside impressions will not sweep you along.
Older wording
- “temperance”
- — self-restraint
- “appearances”
- — the impressions your mind receives of things
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Self-discipline and habit
- Resilience and endurance
- Adversity and hardship
- Judgements and impressions
- Being criticised or insulted
- Breaking a bad habit
- Everyday irritations
- Illness or diagnosis
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