The Complete Works

Translated by Robin Waterfield

So what should a philosopher say in the face of any harsh experience? 'This is what I've been training for. This is what I've been practicing for.'

Some things are up to us and some are not. Up to us are judgment, inclination, desire, aversion – in short, whatever is our own doing. Not up to us are our bodies, possessions, reputations, public offices – in short, whatever isn't our own doing.

So take up the practice right now of telling every disagreeable impression, 'You're an impression and not at all what you appear to be.' Then go on to examine it and assess it by these criteria of yours, and first and foremost by this one: whether it has to do with the things that are up to us or the things that are not up to us. And if it has to do with the things that are not up to us, have in hand the reminder that it's nothing to you.

People are troubled not by things but by their judgments about things.

Instead of wishing that things would happen as you'd like, wish that they would happen as they do, and then you'll be content.

Everything has two handles, one of which makes it bearable, the other unbearable. If your brother's treating you badly, don't take hold of the fact that he's mistreating you, because that's the handle that makes it unbearable, but take hold of the fact that he's your brother, that you grew up together. Then you'll be holding the situation by that which makes it bearable.

Also see: Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus.