“Of all existing things some are up to us, and others are not up to us. Up to us are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not up to us include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing” (Epictetus, Enchiridion, 1). Thus begins one of the most famous pieces of practical advice from ancient philosophy, which I will try to put into practice in this very column.
First, a quick refresher. Last issue we looked at the three disciplines articulated by the first century Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Each discipline is meant to help us to improve in one of three areas that, together, make for a virtuous…
