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Today is 22nd of April 2023
General Knowledge,
Epictetus and the effect of externals

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Epictetus and the effect of externals
Enchiridion 5

Epictetus, a Greek philosopher who lived between the first and second centuries AD, is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of Stoicism. His teachings on ethics and morality have had a profound impact on Western philosophy, and hisbook Enchiridion (Handbook) remains a popular text among modern Stoics. One of the most famous quotes from the Enchiridion is found in Chapter 5, where Epictetus writes, "Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them." This quote has profound implications for how we approach the challenges of daily life, and it remains relevant to this day.

Epictetus was born into slavery, but was eventually freed and became a philosopher. He lived a simple life and taught his students to focus on developing their character and inner strength, rather than seeking external wealth or status. His philosophy was centered around the idea that we cannot control external events, but we can control our own thoughts and reactions to those events. This philosophy is encapsulated in the quote from Enchiridion 5.

The quote suggests that it is not external events that cause us to be disturbed or upset, but rather the way we choose to think about them. In other words, our thoughts and perceptions have a greater impact on our emotional state than the events themselves. This is an important lesson that can be applied to a wide range of situations.

For example, consider the experience of receiving criticism from a boss or colleague. Many people might initially feel upset or defensive in response to criticism, but according to Epictetus, it is our own thoughts and reactions that are causing us to be disturbed, not the criticism itself. By changing our perspective and viewing criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement, we can reduce our emotional distress and become more resilient in the face of criticism in the future. Emphasizing this message, Epictetus taught that we should not reject criticism or take offense to it, but rather strive to see it as an opportunity for improvement and growth.

Another example might be a situation where we are stuck in traffic and running late for an important meeting. It is easy to become frustrated and stressed in this situation, but according to Epictetus, our emotions are a result of our own thoughts and perceptions. By choosing to view the situation as an opportunity to practice patience and acceptance, we can reduce our stress levels and remain calm and focused.

The relevance of Epictetus' quote extends beyond individual situations to larger societal issues as well. For example, the current COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption and uncertainty, leading many people to feel anxious and overwhelmed. According to Epictetus, it is not the pandemic itself that is causing these emotions, but rather our own thoughts and perceptions of the situation. By focusing on what we can control – such as practicing good hygiene, following public health guidelines, and maintaining social connections – we can reduce our anxiety and feel more empowered in the face of the pandemic.

So what led Epictetus to write this quote in the first place? As a Stoic philosopher, Epictetus believed that our thoughts and perceptions were at the heart of our emotional and moral lives. He believed that by cultivating a certain mindset – one focused on self-control, acceptance of external events, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue – we could achieve inner tranquility and resilience. This mindset is encapsulated in the quote from Enchiridion 5, which emphasizes the importance of our own perceptions in shaping our emotional experiences.

In conclusion, Epictetus' quote from Enchiridion 5 – "Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them" – remains relevant today as a reminder that our thoughts and perceptions have a powerful impact on our emotional lives. By adopting a Stoic perspective and focusing on what we can control – our own thoughts and attitudes – we can reduce our emotional distress.