dichotomy of control epictetus
Teaching & Wisdom
Key Takeaway: The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices).
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices). Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results. • Even difficulty can become material for virtue. • Authority is tested by restraint.
As the Stoic philosophers — particularly Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations and Seneca in his Letters — wrote, The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices).
— Oriens
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Use What Comes
Even difficulty can become material for virtue.
Lead From Character
Authority is tested by restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions
dichotomy of control epictetus
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices)..
focus on what you can control stoic
Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results..
stoic circle of control diagram
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices)..
stoic guard your choice
Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results..
Guard Your Choice
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices)..
Freedom begins with what is truly yours.
Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results..
Use What Comes
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices)..
Even difficulty can become material for virtue.
Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results..
Lead From Character
The foundational Stoic distinction: some things are up to us (our judgments, choices, desires, aversions, and actions), while others are not (the body, property, reputation, and offices)..
Authority is tested by restraint.
Epictetus uses it to locate responsibility in the quality of judgment and choice rather than in external results..