Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Philosophy
What Is in Our Control?
Stoic philosophy emphasizes a fundamental distinction between what is within our power and what is not. This principle, often called the Dichotomy of Control, is central to achieving a tranquil and fulfilling life. By understanding and applying this distinction, we can direct our efforts wisely and avoid distress caused by external events.
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.
The Core Distinction
Some things are within our power, while others are not. This fundamental division helps us understand where our true agency lies and where it does not. Recognizing this distinction is the first step toward living in accordance with nature.
Things in our power are inherently free and unhindered, such as our opinions, desires, and actions. Conversely, things not in our power are weak, subject to restraint, and ultimately controlled by external forces.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
What Is Within Our Power
Our opinions, our impulses to act, our desires, and our aversions are all within our control. These are our own acts, and they are by nature free from external restraint or hindrance. This is where our true freedom resides.
By focusing on these internal aspects, we can cultivate a mind that is not easily disturbed by external circumstances. Our judgments about events, rather than the events themselves, determine our emotional state.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
What Is Not Within Our Power
Things not in our power include our body, property, reputation, and positions of authority. These are not our own acts and are therefore subject to external forces, making them weak and slavish.
If we mistakenly believe that these external things are within our control, we will inevitably experience hindrance, lamentation, and disturbance. We will blame others and ourselves for outcomes beyond our reach.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Role of Desire and Aversion
Desire implies a hope of obtaining what is desired, while aversion implies a hope of avoiding what is shunned. Failing in desire leads to misfortune, and encountering what one wishes to avoid leads to unhappiness.
To avoid unhappiness, we should remove aversion from things not in our power, such as disease or death. Instead, we should direct aversion only towards things contrary to nature that are within our power.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
The Faculty of Choice
The faculty of choice, or prohairesis, is unique because it can contemplate itself and approve or disapprove of its own actions. Unlike other faculties, it can determine whether to act or not.
Grammar can tell us what words to write, but not whether we should write at all. Music can guide melody, but not whether we should sing. Only our faculty of choice makes these ultimate decisions.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Cultivating Inner Freedom
By understanding this distinction, we can cultivate inner freedom. When we recognize that external things are not our own acts, we cease to be disturbed by their unpredictable nature.
This practice allows us to focus our energy on what truly matters: our judgments, desires, and actions. This deliberate focus is the path to a life free from unnecessary suffering and external dependency.
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.”
“And the things in our power are by nature free, not subject to restraint nor hindrance: but the things not in our power are weak, slavish, subject to restraint, in the power of others.”
“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 is the main idea of the Dichotomy of Control?
The main idea is to distinguish between what is within our power (our judgments, desires, and actions) and what is not (external events, body, property). This distinction helps us focus on what we can truly influence.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Why is it important to understand what is not in our power?
Understanding what is not in our power prevents us from being hindered, lamenting, or being disturbed. If we consider external things as our own, we will inevitably face unhappiness and blame others.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How should we manage our desires and aversions?
We should remove aversion from things not in our power, like disease or death. Instead, direct aversion only to things contrary to nature that are within our power. For now, destroy desire completely.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
What is unique about the faculty of choice?
The faculty of choice is unique because it can contemplate itself and decide whether to approve or disapprove of its own actions. It determines whether to act, unlike other faculties that only judge their specific domain.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
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 challenges?
- What are some practical exercises for distinguishing between what is and isn't in my control?
- How does understanding control relate to managing emotions like anger or fear?
- Can you give more examples of things that are truly in my power?