Enchiridion by Epictetus

Enchiridion

Enchiridion means handbook: practical guide for life

Starts with the dichotomy of control;

• Some things are in our absolute control, our thoughts, decisions, actions, likes/dislikes
• Some things are not in our control; our body, what others think, our position in life, property …

Only things that are in our control are good or bad, everything outside of our control is indiffeerent. We shouldn't worry about them.

Example: Epictetus had a lame leg.

Takeaways:

1. Don’t get so upset about things you can do nothnig about
2. Make a practiice of analyzing your impressions
3. Remind yourself of the impermanence of things
4. Be modest, do not grab too much (banquet comparison)
5. Respond to insults with humor