Epictetus Reputation Essay

Epictetus’ handbook, Enchiridion, was compiled by his disciple Arrian and first published in 125 AD. In this writing, Epictetus offers Stoic advice on how one can live well given the circumstances within one’s world. Epictetus firmly believes in the strategy of detachment as a means to survive; to not project any intrinsic value onto things outside one’s control and to be dependent on oneself for one’s own happiness. As Dr. Enns mentions in lecture, Epictetus proposes coping strategies for one’s particular circumstances within one’s particular environment. However, I thoroughly believe that instead of using Epictetus' techniques of detachment as a way to endure one's circumstance, one should be aiming to better one's circumstance.

While the mindset of a Stoic
can offer a life without misery, I do not believe the average person is capable of the level of detachment the Enchiridion recommends. For example, Epictetus appear to advise one to be impartial to the external world, even to one’s close relatives. In chapter 3, he states that when embracing one’s child or wife, one must remember that “[one] embrace a mortal” in order to bear their inevitable deaths. Even if he does not suggest complete emotional disconnection from one’s family, it is very unlikely that one is able to casually remind oneself of and accept the eventual death of one’s most-loved relatives. Further, the feelings of sadness and the act of grieving are a part of human nature and are, therefore, normal behaviours; to be unmoved by the loss of a loved one is to reject one’s own humanity. Often, individuals capable of that level of detachment are considered to be odd, out-casts of society, and even sociopathic by some standards. Of course, the circumstances of death cannot be avoided, as it is the final destination in the journey of life. However, I propose that instead of meaningless fixating on the subject of death, one should be focused on the malleable circumstances of the loved-ones’ lives. In particular, providing better circumstances in the time that one is able to spend together with family.

As previously mentioned, the Enchiridion suggest detachment as a way to cope within one’s circumstances.
Although taking on a different perspective may prove to be effective in the short-term, it does not offer a way to resolve the source of the problem, as Dr. Enns mentioned in lecture. To illustrate, Epictetus makes repeated mentions of reputation and how one is unable to control the view of others. However, could one’s meager reputation be a result of one’s poor temperament or general unpleasantness? By thinking that one is unable to influence other’s opinions of oneself, one is absolved from taking responsibility for one’s actions, free to act as a pompous donkey. Detachment is an ineffective means to live; if everyone overlooked the problems within our society, no progress can be made by the human race. It was those who were passionate, those who were attached to their society – the external world, that great feats in history were achieved. In fact, if one so chooses to follow the ways of a stoic, one remains ignorant while the problem may grow larger. Instead of thinking that humans have no control over all external factors in life, perhaps consider some as influenced by the result of one’s own
actions.

Epictetus takes on the perspective that human lives are on a predetermined course, thus have no control over it. Whereas I would like to propose that humans are always in control over their own lives; instead of accepting what comes their way, they should be doing everything in their power to escape unsatisfactory circumstances. It appears that Epictetus, even after being freed as a slave, has not left the attitude of a slave behind. This is evident in chapter 7, where he writes, “…but if the captain calls, run to the ship, leave all these things, and never look behind”, which suggest abandoning all that one has attained in life, including one’s wife, when unavoidable responsibilities emerge. However, all things are avoidable if one so chooses to avoid them by way of action. As an example, a university student may argue that an impending mid-term test or assignment is unavoidable, but if the student detests it so, they have the ability to choose to not partake in the task. After all, they are in school by choice. One may also argue that law is unavoidable. Conversely, it is possible to change the view of the government with protest and appeal. On the other hand, I am inclined to agree that there are certain things in life that we cannot change completely; lameness would be an example. But that has not stopped us from attempting to alter the circumstances; with the development of various technologies, such as the exoskeleton suit which allow the paralyzed to walk, the disabled do not have to tolerate what circumstances were brought upon them. Rather than fruitlessly accepting one’s fate, one should be constantly striving to better it. Even if it may result in some disappointments, any added to one’s life is better than none added at all.

Some stubborn individuals may continue to argue that particular circumstances are fixed and unavoidable. It is in my belief that every circumstance is a result of some action and is, therefore, avoidable and rectifiable. They may propose natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as unavoidable in nature, yet one may choose to avoid them by residing in areas where such natural disasters are not known to occur. War may also be proposed as something outside of one’s control. But one must remember, wars start due to minor conflict, and conflict is preventable. Conflict is caused by men, thus, can be stalled by men. Hence, circumstances are not what is given to us, but is what we choose to create for ourselves.

Although unimaginable to me, there is the possibility of something outside of one’s control, when it is believed that nothing can be done to alter one’s circumstances. If so, one should still continue to strive, and even die trying. There were many who died in history, striving for what they believed, such as Martin Luther King Jr., and it was due to their deaths that great change was brought about. Some may even argue that the deaths of these individuals had greater impact on the world than they themselves alive. These individuals devoted themselves to changing their own circumstances and everyone else’s. In short, life is struggle; only the weak-willed, those who do not take responsibility for their lives, accept what is given to them. Only those with strength, and their resolutions firm, are able to defy their circumstances and rise above.

Through previously examined arguments, we can conclude that one must persistently strive to better one’s circumstances instead of merely enduring them. The themes discussed within this essay is applicable to the modern society. There are many individuals blaming the minorities, the majority, the corporations, and the government without taking a stand to support their beliefs. One must stop blaming the world, the external factors, for what is not right within one’s life, and start looking for a solution. Take initiative to back one’s cause and to hold one’s ideals. Take any action at all, for accepting catastrophe is senseless.