Self-Discipline: Epictetis

Epictetus paints God as the creator, director, and all knowing being. Our existence comes from God himself. His (God's) laws for the universe are followed and served by all in existence, including our bodies. Rebelling by reason against that which is in full control will only cause us suffering or pain.

Epictetus believes that all beings are connected through God and influenced by him, his example is that of the trees and their cycles. This goes even to human affairs - influencing our understand, giving us patience, and even memories. God influences and knows all, something that we can't do. That said, God gave us control of ourselves but he is present within us as our existence is of him - so our actions are those of God's in a sense. We need to be aware that he is part of us so that we can respect God with pure thoughts and actions. You should be ashamed if you can't act and think properly as God is seeing, hearing, and partaking with your thoughts.

Epictetus address the mentality that we are individuals with great futures with the reality that we are part of an integrated whole - a whole where we will not have perfect lives but will partake in the existence of the whole. This is what make us man - being part of a whole from which God is the connection - a citizen of the universe that takes part and has the opportunity to help the divineness of all existence. A citizen who holds no private interest. If we knew what was going to happen, we would happily accept ills of sickness, pain, and death as it is all part of the laws and dictations of God, and being part of the whole is better than being an individual. Of course, we don't know whats going to happen so we should live for what is better for us, as this too is a gift of God.

For our existence we should be thankful to God but even more so, we should be thankful for the ability to control what we have - will power. It is not the most amazing thing that our eyes can open and our legs move, but that we have the power to control and move them. There is nothing greater than this control, will. Besides physical actions, our will is what allows us to make good ethical, virtuous, and decent actions. That said, our will is also what allows us to make unethical, wicked, and indecent actions. Because of this Epictetus says that will is the ultimate source of both Vice and Virtue. 

Epictetus attacks Epicurus's claim that matter is the most excellent thing in existence. Going back to the eye and leg analogy, the fact that it exists does not matter - without will it wouldn't do anything. The fact that will control's what exists points to this. Epictetus also points to the fact that something made of matter is always greater than some other thing made of matter.

To avoid frustration and suffering we need to understand what is and isn't under our power or control. We can control ourselves. We can't control everything else. Trying to take control of that which is not yours only leads to trouble and problems with other men and God. Focus on what you have control of rather than that you do not, such as power and wealth. Do not shun what you can't control as it brings no good or desire what is out of reach, rather desire what is within your power for then you can obtain it and achieve happiness. But remember not to forget discretion, gentleness, and moderation in that quest for what you desire.

When you can accept what is unavoidable will live a life of moderation and harmony as they will not be fighting against what God has set in motion. You have control, in the drama of life in how to act. What your role is has been set by God but the action you take are yours. Evil things are to be avoided but if death isn't avoidable Epictetus implies that it can't be evil. What we can escape is the dread of death. There is no reason that we must die in fear as we can control our reaction to death. We are not disturbed by event and things but by our views that we take of the events. We should not wish for things not to come but accept that they will come when they come and there is no point in worrying about them until they happen.

Once we rid life of lamentation, regret, and complaints then life will be better. Dwelling on the pains of others and yourself only creates more pain. Don't view the hardships as painful and the pain is removed. When it concerns pleasure, Epictetus calls for self control. He brings up the point that if you are going to indulge in any pleasure that will make you "repent and reproach yourself" then it is more joyful to make the decision to not go through those negative emotions than it to go through the pleasure at that time. Control your passions so that they don't control you. "It belongs to a wise man to resist pleasure; and to a fool to be enslaved by it."

Epictetus brings up the point that when we lose something external we should consider what we still have. If it is more valuable than what we lost, then don't consider yourself at loss. Time spend missing that loss will be time in vain. Seek your own highest good.

To be a wise and good person Epictetus calls for three things. Not being disappointed by our desires or our aversions. We should act carefully with order and considere in our pursuits and avoidances. Lastly, we need to be prudent and keep our integrity. 

Discussion Questions/Comments

Does Epictetus believe that God is completely omnipresent within everything or just people?

I don't follow the end of #3. It feels like he is saying to be selfish and want good for ourselves...he means this in an unselfish way - good heath, peace, and happiness - right? I can't see his meaning lining up any other way.

I find it interesting that he says our body is out of our control, as we can exercise and eat healthy to help the impact the condition of our body. Sounds more like he is talking about how we can't stop what is "fate" or dictated by God to happen in the future. 

Key Terms/Definitions 

Will: the ultimate source of both Vice and Virtue

Omnipresent: (of God) present everywhere at the same time