Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.29: On Steadfastness
Where can we find the good life? It seems we are all searching for that moment when everything clicks when bliss and happiness are fully present. Some seek it in their jobs, families, possessions, or power. But in Discourse 29 of Book 1, Epictetus lays it out in simple terms: the good life lies within our choice and character. It is an internal matter, independent of external forces.
“The essence of the good is a certain disposition of our choice, and the essence of evil likewise.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.1
Whatever the state of our soul, it is determined by our reasoning power and ability to judge impressions correctly. You can read more about impressions in the summaries of Books 1.27 and 1.28. Some may disagree: money improves life, family and friends alleviate loneliness, and a career brings fulfillment. But in the end, it is our choice that determines how we perceive these things. That is why we must ensure we understand their nature correctly.
What Are the Externals?
“What are externals, then? Materials for the faculty of choice, in the management of which it will attain its own good or evil. How, then, will it attain the good? If it does not admire the materials themselves: for its judgments about the materials, if they are correct, make our choice good, and if they are distorted and perverse, make it bad.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.2-3
Externals have no intrinsic good or bad to them—at least not to us. Our task is to understand them for what they are. When judgment is made well, we can act rightly in relation to them. Family and friends are mortal beings, closer to us than others, and we naturally care for them more. However, we must not attach our good life to their presence, as they may be gone at some point. While they are with us, we should give them our full attention and love.
A car is a means of transportation—if we use it as such, we maintain our character. If it becomes a showpiece for validation, it can cause harm.
The same applies to power. Epictetus frequently uses the example of a tyrant. Who or what can a tyrant truly threaten? Imprisonment, chains, or even death—who is really harmed here?
“Then it is not really you that he is threatening? If I am persuaded that these things are nothing to me, not at all; but, if I am afraid about any of these things, it is me that he threatens.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.7
Who Should We Fear?
“Who is there left for me to fear? The man with power over what? Of things in my own power? Of these, no one is the master. Of things not in my power? And what are those to me?”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.8
The good life is found in our character and choice. This is the Stoic reminder. Yes, rulers have power over external circumstances, but whatever they decide, you can still be a good person. You can still judge correctly and keep your soul upright.
“If you want anything good, get it from yourself.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.4
We fear those who can take something from us. But we decide to grant them that power. A boss can take away a job, a thief can steal a car, and another person can take our life. Yet, in all these cases, we can remain good and keep our judgments in perspective.
“Nothing else can overcome the power of choice but that itself.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.12
The Better Should Always Prove Superior to the Worse
This idea aligns with the Stoic view of strength. The strongest and best impose their will—but in their proper domain. Epictetus uses examples of ten people overcoming one or a thief stealing a lamp. Yet, a philosopher is stronger in character, choice, and soul.
“But prove to me that one who holds inferior judgments can prevail over a man who is superior in his judgments. You never will prove it, nor anything like it: for the law of nature and of god is this: Let the better always be superior to the worse. In what? In that in which it is better.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.19
Epictetus recalls a time when someone stole his lamp. The thief was better at staying awake and thus stole it—but at what cost?
“But he bought a lamp at the price of being a thief, a rogue, and a brute. That seemed to him a good bargain.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.21
What is a good bargain? Selling your character for a lamp? Is such a trade ever worth it?
The Sphere of Choice
Whether we live a good life is up to us. It is our choice how to judge the world and act. The better we distinguish between what is within and outside our sphere of choice, the easier it becomes. We can choose to live healthier, but that does not mean we won’t get sick. We can work diligently, but that does not mean we won’t get fired. The more value we place on externals, the more they affect us. Instead, we should value doing what is right and just.
“I have learned to see that whatever happens, if it be outside the sphere of choice, is nothing to me.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.24
This is difficult to practice. We may never perfect it—I certainly haven’t. But progress makes life smoother. First, we must apply it to life’s biggest concerns.
“Just as long as reason requires I should continue in this paltry body: when reason does so no longer, take it and good health to you. Only, let me not abandon it without due reason, or from mere feebleness, or on some casual pretext.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.28-29
Knowing vs. Doing
The lessons learned here and in Nicopolis when Epictetus taught them firsthand are valuable. But they are meaningless unless put into practice. Marcus Aurelius echoes this idea:
“People exist for one another. You can instruct or endure them.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 8.59
He may have learned this from Epictetus:
“When you are unable to change a person’s view, recognize that he is a child, and clap your hands with him; or if you do not wish to do that, merely keep your silence.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.32
“These things we ought to remember, and when we are called to meet such difficulty, we should know that the time has come to show whether we have been well educated.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 29.33
We must place value on our reason and choice, not on externals. Not even nature is our master, for we are part of it. If we accept and embrace fate, even she cannot harm us. She is our teacher, showing us where the good life is found.
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