Nothing New

Classic writing, modern delivery

Epictetus · Discourses and Enchiridion

Section 82 of 118 · Enchiridion

Chapter 16

— ✻ —

When you see a person weeping in sorrow either when a child goes abroad or when he is dead, or when the man has lost his property, take care that the appearance do not hurry you away with it, as if he were suffering in external things. But straightway make a distinction in your own mind, and be in readiness to say, it is not that which has happened that afflicts this man, for it does not afflict another, but it is the opinion about this thing which afflicts the man. So far as words then do not be unwilling to show him sympathy, and even if it happens so, to lament with him. But take care that you do not lament internally also.

Receive Epictetus one section at a time, on your schedule.
Subscribe →