Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 28 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 28
If any person was intending to put your body in the power of any man whom you fell in with on the way, you would be vexed: but that you put your understanding in the power of any man whom you meet, so that if he should revile you, it is disturbed and troubled, are you not ashamed at this?
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 28, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/28
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesYou would be furious if someone handed your body to a stranger, yet you hand your mind to anyone who insults you and let them upset it. Be ashamed of that, and keep your calm in your own hands.
Older wording
- “revile”
- — verbally abuse
- “understanding”
- — your mind or power of judgement
Themes and situations
- Insult and criticism
- What is in our control
- Judgements and impressions
- Emotions and the passions
- Being criticised or insulted
- Being angry with someone
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