The Handbook

Books

• 1
  Book 1

  The fundamental distinction: some things are in our power (judgement, desire, aversion), others are not (body, property, reputation). Happiness depends on never confusing the two.

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• 2
  Book 2

  Desire and aversion. Desire only what is in your power; you will never be frustrated. Desire what is not in your power; you will be miserable.

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• 3
  Book 3

  Remember what things are. A favourite cup is a cup — if it breaks, you were prepared. A loved one is mortal — if they die, you were prepared.

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• 4
  Book 4

  Before any action, consider its nature. If you go to the baths, expect splashing, crowding, and rudeness. Then you will not be disturbed.

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• 5
  Book 5

  It is not things that disturb us but our judgements about things. Death is nothing terrible — the judgement that death is terrible, that is terrible.

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• 6
  Book 6

  Do not be proud of advantages that are not your own. A horse may be proud of its speed. You should not be.

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• 7
  Book 7

  Like a sailor waiting for the tide. Enjoy what is given — a wife, a child — but be ready to leave them when the captain calls.

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• 8
  Book 8

  Do not wish that things happen as you want. Wish that things happen as they do. Then you will be at peace.

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• 9
  Book 9

  Illness hinders the body, not the will. Lameness hinders the leg, not the will. Say this at every obstacle.

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• 10
  Book 10

  Every difficulty is material for virtue. The rude man trains your patience. The thief trains your detachment.

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• 11
  Book 11

  Never say 'I have lost something.' Say 'I have returned it.' Your child died? Returned. Your estate was taken? Returned.

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• 12
  Book 12

  If you want to make progress, accept being thought foolish about external things. Do not wish to seem knowledgeable.

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• 13
  Book 13

  If you want your children and wife to live forever, you are a fool. You want what is not in your power.

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• 14
  Book 14

  If you want to be free, do not desire anything that depends on another person.

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• 15
  Book 15

  At a banquet, wait for the dish to reach you. Do not grab. Apply this to offices, honours, and wealth.

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• 16
  Book 16

  When you see someone weeping in grief, go along with it outwardly — but do not groan inwardly. Remember: it is not the event but the judgement that grieves them.

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• 17
  Book 17

  Remember: you are an actor in a play of the author's choosing. If he wants you to play a beggar, play it well. Your job is the role, not the script.

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• 18
  Book 18

  A raven croaks ominously. Let it croak. It threatens nothing that is truly yours.

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• 19
  Book 19

  You can be invincible if you never enter a contest where victory is not in your power.

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• 20
  Book 20

  When someone provokes you, remember: it is your judgement that provokes you, not the person.

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• 21
  Book 21

  Memento mori. Keep death and exile before your eyes every day. You will never have an abject thought or an excessive desire.

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• 22
  Book 22

  If you want to study philosophy, prepare to be laughed at. If the laughter stops, you have failed.

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• 23
  Book 23

  If you find yourself caring what others think, you have lost your way. You cannot please both the world and philosophy.

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• 24
  Book 24

  Do not be troubled if you are considered nobody. If it were in your power, you would not need to be. And it is not in your power.

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• 25
  Book 25

  Your neighbour's slave broke a glass — you say 'these things happen.' Your own slave broke your glass — react the same way.

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• 26
  Book 26

  Evil does not exist in nature, only in misuse of our faculty of choice.

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• 27
  Book 27

  If someone handed your body to a stranger, you would be outraged. Yet you hand your mind to anyone who insults you — letting them disturb you as they please.

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• 28
  Book 28

  In every undertaking, consider what comes before and after, then attempt it. Otherwise you will begin with enthusiasm and quit in disgrace.

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• 29
  Book 29

  Duties are determined by relationships. A father wrongs you? He is still your father. A brother cheats you? He is still your brother. Maintain your role.

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• 30
  Book 30

  The measure of religion is right judgement about the gods: they exist, they govern well, and they have arranged things for the best. Accept what they give.

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• 31
  Book 31

  When you consult a diviner, you already know the answer. The diviner can tell you the outcome; reason tells you how to respond to it.

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• 32
  Book 32

  Fix a character and a pattern for yourself, and observe it whether alone or with others.

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• 33
  Book 33

  In conversation, avoid vulgar topics — gladiators, horse races, athletes, food and drink. Above all, do not talk about people.

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• 34
  Book 34

  Take only what the body needs: food, drink, clothing, shelter. Cut away everything that is for display or luxury.

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• 35
  Book 35

  Sexual conduct. Before gratifying desire, consider: will you respect yourself afterwards? Will you be able to face the person honestly?

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• 36
  Book 36

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 37
  Book 37

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 38
  Book 38

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 39
  Book 39

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 40
  Book 40

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 41
  Book 41

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 42
  Book 42

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 43
  Book 43

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 44
  Book 44

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 45
  Book 45

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 46
  Book 46

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 47
  Book 47

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 48
  Book 48

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 49
  Book 49

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 50
  Book 50

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 51
  Book 51

  Epictetus distils Stoic philosophy into a practical rule for living: focus only on what you can control, and accept everything else with equanimity.

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• 52
  Book 52

  On Socrates. He achieved what he did by attending to nothing but reason. Even if you are not yet Socrates, live as someone who wishes to become Socrates.

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  Book 53

  The final chapter. These maxims are for use, not for display. You have the handbook. Now practise.

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