Epictetus Enchiridion Excerpts (1-3) – Key Concepts

A set of practice flashcards covering control vs. not control, responses to appearances and accidents, and the cultivation of virtue from Epictetus Enchiridion excerpts 1–3.

What, according to Epictetus in Enchiridion 1, are the things in our control?

Opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and our own actions.

What are not in our control, per the Enchiridion excerpt?

Body, property, reputation, command, and anything not our own actions.

Why is it harmful to treat things that belong to others as if they were your own?

You will be hindered, lament, be disturbed, and blame gods and men.

How should you respond to harsh appearances or disturbances?

See them as appearances; if they concern nothing in your control, treat them as nothing to you and examine whether they relate to what you control.

What is the recommended stance on desire and aversion for things in and out of our control?

Suppress desire for things not in your control, transfer aversion to things contrary to the nature of what you control, and use pursuit and avoidance lightly.

If you love a specific object (like a ceramic cup), how should you frame your love?

Remind yourself you love ceramic cups in general, not that single specific cup.

What should you do before and during an action to stay aligned with nature?

Think about the general nature of the action and keep your mind in a state conformable to nature.

What is the advice about wishing things happen exactly as you wish?

Do not demand that things happen as you wish; instead wish that they happen as they do.

How are sickness and lameness related to your ability to choose?

They hinder the body but do not, by themselves, prevent your ability to choose.

When an accident occurs, what abilities should you cultivate to respond well?

Self-restraint, fortitude, and patience to make proper use of the situation.

How should you view loss or possession according to Epictetus?

Do not say I have lost it; say I have returned it; treat possessions as not truly yours and focus on proper care.

What is the guidance about improving and managing expectations regarding income and servants?

It is better to endure hunger without perturbation than to live with fear in affluence; start with small things; a bad servant is less troubling than your own unhappiness.

What attitude should you have toward external appearances of knowledge or status?

Be content to be thought foolish regarding external things; distrust yourself and focus on maintaining internal virtue.

Why is it foolish to wish for loved ones to live forever?

Because you cannot control them or their fate; focus on what is in your own control.

What does the dinner party analogy teach about handling life's arrivals?

Take what comes with moderation; do not chase what passes by; accept when it arrives and apply this to people and things in your life.

How should you respond when you see someone grieving about loss?

Distinguish that distress comes from the person’s judgment, not the accident itself; avoid overreacting and do not let appearances mislead you.

When harmed or spoken ill of, what should you remember about the other person?

They act from a sense of duty according to their own appearances; respond with understanding and keep your own judgment calm.

What are the two handles of everything, and how should you use them?

Everything has two handles: one by which it can be carried and one by which it cannot; focus on the usable handle and interpret events in a constructive way.

What are the marks of a proficient, according to Epictetus?

Censures no one, praises no one, blames no one, accuses no one; accepts hindrance by accusing himself; remains modest, suppresses desires, and transfers aversion; acts with caution and avoids defending himself when criticized or praised.

What is the overarching takeaway from these Epictetus notes?

Distinguish between what is in your control and what is not; cultivate internal virtue and equanimity in alignment with nature.