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What Did Epictetus Teach?
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, focused his teachings on practical ethics and the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. His philosophy encourages individuals to cultivate inner freedom and tranquility by aligning their desires and aversions with nature. This approach emphasizes the power of our own choices and judgments over external circumstances. By understanding these core principles, one can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and wisdom.
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 Dichotomy of Control
Epictetus taught that some things are within our power, while others are not. Our opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions are within our control, as they are our own acts. These are by nature free and not subject to external restraint.
Conversely, things like our body, property, reputation, and external offices are not in our power. These are weak, slavish, and subject to the control of others, leading to hindrance and distress if we mistakenly believe them to be our own.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Managing Desire and Aversion
Desire inherently involves the hope of obtaining what is desired, and aversion implies the hope of avoiding something. Failing in desire leads to misfortune, and encountering what one wishes to avoid leads to unhappiness.
To avoid unhappiness, one should direct aversion only towards things contrary to nature that are within one's power. It is advised to completely eliminate desire for the present, especially for things not within our control like health or wealth.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
The Faculty of Choice
Epictetus highlighted that among all faculties, only the faculty of choice is capable of contemplating itself, and thus, of approving or disapproving its own actions. This self-awareness is unique and powerful.
Other arts, like grammar or music, can judge their specific domains but cannot judge themselves or determine whether their application is appropriate in a given situation. This higher judgment belongs to our faculty of choice.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Freedom from External Hindrance
True freedom, according to Epictetus, comes from recognizing that things in our power are free from restraint. When we focus on these, we avoid being hindered, lamenting, or being disturbed by external events.
If we mistakenly attach ourselves to things not in our power, we will inevitably face obstacles and blame others, leading to a state of unfreedom and unhappiness. The path to freedom is internal.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Nature of Impressions
Our impressions, or how we perceive events, are within our power. It is not events themselves that disturb us, but our judgments about them. This understanding is crucial for maintaining inner peace.
By examining and questioning our impressions, we can prevent them from leading us astray. This practice allows us to respond to situations with reason rather than being swept away by immediate reactions.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Living in Accordance with Nature
Epictetus encouraged living in harmony with nature, which for him meant living according to reason and virtue. This involves understanding our place in the world and fulfilling our duties.
By aligning our actions and attitudes with what is natural and rational, we can achieve a state of tranquility and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. This is the ultimate goal of Stoic practice.
Sources: 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 that desire contains in it the profession (hope) of obtaining that which you desire; and the profession (hope) in aversion (turning from a thing) is that you will not fall into that which you attempt to avoid: and he who fails in his desire is unfortunate; and he who falls into that which he would avoid, is unhappy.”
“Of all the faculties (except that which I shall soon mention), you will find not one which is capable of contemplating itself, and, consequently, not capable either of approving or disapproving.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the most fundamental teaching of Epictetus?
The most fundamental teaching is the dichotomy of control: distinguishing between what is in our power (our choices, opinions, desires) and what is not (body, property, reputation). This distinction is key to inner peace.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How does Epictetus suggest we handle desires?
Epictetus advises that desire inherently hopes for obtaining something. To avoid unhappiness, one should remove desire for things not in our power, like wealth or health, and focus on what is within our control.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 2
What does Epictetus say about our faculty of choice?
He states that our faculty of choice is unique because it can contemplate itself, approving or disapproving its own actions. This self-awareness allows us to govern our internal responses, unlike other skills.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
How can I achieve freedom according to Epictetus?
Freedom is achieved by recognizing that things in our power are free from restraint. If you consider things not in your power to be your own, you will be hindered and unhappy. Focus on your own acts.
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 challenges?
- What specific practices did Epictetus recommend for managing desires?
- How does understanding my faculty of choice help me make better decisions?
- Can you give me an example of how to reframe an external event using Epictetus's teachings?