Epictetus

A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion

Though Epictetus contends that man has power over his will, he well knew how weak this power sometimes is. An appearance, he says, is presented, and straightway I act according to it; and, what is the name of those who follow every appearance? They are called madmen. - Such are a large part of mankind; and it is true, that many persons have no Will at all. They are deceived by appearances, perplexed, tossed about like a ship which has lost the helm: they have no steady, fixed, and rational purpose. Their perseverance or obstinacy is often nothing more than a perseverance in an irrational purpose. It is often so strong and so steady that the man himself and others too may view it as a strong will; and it is a strong will, if you choose, but it is a will in a wrong direction. "The nature of the Good is a certain Will: the nature of the Bad is a certain kind of Will." This edition of A SELECTION FROM THE DISCOURSES WITH THE ENCHEIRIDION includes: - TRANSLATION by George Long - PREFACE and THE PHILOSOPHY OF EPICTETUS BY EDWIN GINN - QUOTES BY EPICTETUS