Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Distinctions
Control and Influence: The Stoic Distinction
Stoic philosophy emphasizes a fundamental distinction between what is within our power and what is not. This distinction is crucial for understanding where to direct our efforts and attention. By recognizing what truly belongs to us and what remains outside our direct command, we can cultivate inner tranquility and avoid unnecessary distress. This practice helps us align our desires and aversions with reality.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
Identifying What Is Truly Ours
The Stoics teach that certain things are inherently in our power. These include our opinions, our impulses toward action, our desires, and our aversions. In essence, these are our own acts and internal responses.
Conversely, many things are not in our power. This category includes our physical body, our possessions, our reputation, and positions of authority. These external factors are subject to forces beyond our direct control.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Nature of What Is in Our Power
Things within our power are described as being free, unrestrained, and unhindered. Our judgments and choices are not dictated by external circumstances but arise from our internal faculty.
This inherent freedom means that no external force can compel us to hold a certain opinion or to desire something against our will. Our inner world remains sovereign.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Nature of What Is Not in Our Power
Things not in our power are characterized as weak, slavish, and subject to restraint. They are ultimately in the power of others or governed by external events.
If we mistakenly believe that these external things are within our control, we are destined for frustration. This misunderstanding leads to being hindered, lamenting, and becoming disturbed.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Role of Desire and Aversion
Desire inherently carries the expectation of obtaining what is desired, while aversion implies the hope of avoiding what is shunned. Failing in desire leads to misfortune; encountering what one wishes to avoid leads to unhappiness.
To avoid unhappiness, one should only attempt to avoid things contrary to nature that are within one's power. Aversion should be removed from external things and applied only to internal errors.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
The Self-Contemplating Faculty
Among all faculties, there is one capable of contemplating itself, and consequently, of approving or disapproving its own actions. This unique faculty is our rational judgment and choice.
While grammar can judge writing and music can judge melody, neither can determine whether one should write or sing. This decision belongs to the self-contemplating faculty, our guiding principle.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Consequences of Misplaced Focus
If you consider things that are by nature slavish to be free, or things in the power of others to be your own, you will inevitably face hindrance and distress. This misjudgment is a source of suffering.
By understanding this distinction, we learn to place our desires and aversions appropriately, focusing on our internal responses rather than external outcomes. This practice fosters resilience and peace.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1; Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion (ὑπόληψις), movement towards a thing (ὁρμή), desire, aversion (ἔκκλισις, turning from a thing); and in a word, whatever are our own acts: not in our power are the body, property, reputation, offices (magisterial power), and in a word, whatever are not our own acts.”
“Remember then that if you think the things which are by nature slavish to be free, and the things which are in the power of others to be your own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed, you will blame both…”
“Take away then aversion from all things which are not in our power, and transfer it to the things contrary to nature which are in our power. But destroy desire completely for the present.”
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean for something to be 'in our power'?
Things in our power are our internal acts: our opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions. These are free and not subject to external restraint, representing our direct choices and judgments.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
What are examples of things 'not in our power'?
Things not in our power include our body, property, reputation, and external offices. These are weak, slavish, and subject to the control of others or external circumstances, not our direct command.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How does understanding this distinction help with desire?
Understanding this distinction helps by guiding us to remove desire from things not in our power. If we desire externals, we risk misfortune. Instead, we should focus desires on internal, controllable goods.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
Why is it important to distinguish between control and influence?
It is important because mistaking external things for being in our power leads to hindrance, lamentation, and disturbance. Focusing on what is truly ours allows for freedom and tranquility.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Continue with Ask Stoics
Bring one of these source-grounded questions into the app:
- How can I apply the dichotomy of control to my daily frustrations?
- What specific practices help me distinguish between what is in my power and what is not?
- How does understanding control relate to my emotional responses?
- Can you give me an example of applying this distinction to a common challenge?