Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Study Paths
A Study Path for Training Choice
This study path guides you through the Stoic understanding of choice, focusing on what is truly within your power. By distinguishing between what you control and what you do not, you can cultivate a more resilient and virtuous character. This practice helps you align your actions with reason and maintain inner tranquility, regardless of external circumstances.
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 in Our Power
Stoic philosophy begins by categorizing things into two groups: those within our power and those not. This fundamental distinction is crucial for understanding where our efforts should be directed. Our opinions, desires, and aversions are examples of what is within our control.
Conversely, our body, possessions, reputation, and external positions are not within our power. Recognizing this helps prevent distress and hindrance, as we learn not to attach ourselves to things beyond our direct influence. This clarity is the first step in training choice.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Nature of Free Choice
Things within our power are inherently free, unrestrained, and unhindered. This means our judgments, impulses, desires, and aversions are our own acts. They are not subject to external forces or the will of others.
In contrast, things not in our power are weak, slavish, and subject to restraint. If we mistakenly believe these external things are free or our own, we will inevitably experience disturbance, lamentation, and blame. True freedom lies in our inner faculty of choice.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Self-Contemplating Faculty
Among all faculties, there is one capable of contemplating itself, and thus, of approving or disapproving its own actions. This unique faculty is what allows us to reflect on our choices and judgments, unlike other arts such as grammar or music.
Grammar can tell us how to write, but not whether we should write. Music can guide melody, but not whether we should sing. The faculty of choice, however, can assess the appropriateness of our actions and intentions, guiding our moral conduct.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Preconceptions and Their Application
All people share certain fundamental preconceptions, such as the idea that good is useful and desirable, and that justice is beautiful. These basic understandings are not contradictory in themselves; everyone agrees on these general principles.
Disputes arise not from the preconceptions themselves, but from their application to specific situations. For example, people may disagree on whether a particular action is brave or foolish, or whether a certain practice is holy. This highlights the importance of correct application in choice.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.22
Avoiding Hindrance and Blame
When we confuse what is in our power with what is not, we set ourselves up for hindrance and distress. Believing that external things are within our control leads to frustration when they do not go our way. This confusion is a source of suffering.
By consistently remembering the distinction, we can avoid blaming others or fate for our misfortunes. Our inner state, our opinions, and our reactions are always within our power, offering a path to inner peace and freedom from external dependency.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
The Practice of Training Choice
Training choice involves regularly examining our desires and aversions, ensuring they are directed only towards what is truly within our control. This practice strengthens our moral character and prevents us from being swayed by external events.
It means cultivating a mindset where our happiness and tranquility depend solely on our own judgments and actions. This constant vigilance over our inner life is the essence of Stoic practice and the path to a well-ordered existence.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1; Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Practice sequence
Follow these exercises in order. Open any practice to preview its purpose and primary-source anchor before beginning.
- 1The Dichotomy of Control
Sort what is yours from what no choice can command.
- 2The Reserve Clause
Act wholeheartedly while leaving the result to circumstance.
- 3The Choice of Hercules
Picture the easy road and the demanding road before choosing.
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.”
“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.”
“Precognitions are common to all men, and precognition is not contradictory to precognition. For who of us does not assume that Good is useful and eligible, and in all circumstances that we ought to follow and pursue it?”
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary distinction in Stoic philosophy regarding choice?
The primary distinction is between things in our power (our opinions, desires, aversions) and things not in our power (body, property, reputation). This helps us focus on what we can truly control. Ask Stoics filters its AI guide to cited source passages and is not impersonating the historical author.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
Why is it important to recognize what is not in our power?
Recognizing what is not in our power prevents us from being hindered, disturbed, or blaming others. If we mistake external things as our own, we will suffer. This understanding leads to tranquility.
Sources: Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
How does the faculty of choice differ from other faculties?
Unlike grammar or music, the faculty of choice can contemplate itself, approving or disapproving its own actions. It guides whether we should act, not just how to act. This self-reflection is unique.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.1
Where do disagreements arise concerning universal principles like justice?
Disagreements arise not from the principles themselves, but from their application to specific cases. Everyone agrees justice is good, but they may dispute whether a particular action is just or not.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 1.22
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 decisions?
- What are some practical exercises for distinguishing between what is in my power and what is not?
- How does understanding 'precognitions' help in making better choices?
- Can you give an example of how misapplying a preconception leads to conflict?