Why does Epictetus on protecting your will matter in daily life?
To protect your will, like Epictetus means to guard your inner freedom, your power to choose and act according to reason, from being sold too cheaply to external things.
“Only consider at what price you sell your own will and choice, man: if for nothing else, that you may not sell it cheap.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 2.33
Every day, we trade pieces of our peace for approval, convenience, or comfort. Epictetus asks us to stop and think: At what price am I selling my freedom? For a bit of praise? A sense of control? For the illusion of safety? The Stoic knows that the only true possession we have is our will, the capacity to choose our attitude, no matter the circumstance.
In a world that constantly tempts us to trade authenticity for acceptance, Epictetus on protecting your will reminds us that real freedom begins where dependence ends. The Stoics taught that virtue, not validation, is the measure of a life well lived.
How to protect your will like Epictetus
- Recognize what’s yours. Your opinions, choices, and judgments belong to you. What others say or do does not.
- Pause before trading peace for praise. Ask yourself: Is this worth my inner freedom? Often, it’s not.
- Train your independence daily. Practice small acts of self-control, from resisting gossip to turning off notifications, to strengthen your will.
This Stoic view on inner freedom helps us understand that integrity isn’t abstract. It’s the daily refusal to let others rent space in your mind. Protecting your will means keeping the steering wheel of your life firmly in your own hands, guided by reason rather than impulse.
Epictetus teaches that when you know the worth of your will, you stop selling it cheap. True strength lies in knowing what cannot be bought, and living by it.
FAQ
What does Epictetus mean by “selling your will cheap”?
He means surrendering your reason or peace of mind for trivial rewards like praise, comfort, or wealth.
How can I protect my will in modern life?
By noticing what influences your emotions and choices, and choosing reason over reaction in daily moments.
Why is will central in Stoicism?
Because it’s the only thing truly under your control. Protecting it means preserving your freedom and virtue.
Want to explore more Stoic practices?
Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Epictetus Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.
Author Bio
Benny Voncken is the co-founder of Via Stoica, where he helps people apply Stoic philosophy to modern life. He is a Stoic coach, writer, and podcast host of The Via Stoica Podcast. With almost a decade of teaching experience and daily Stoic practice, Benny creates resources, workshops, and reflections that make ancient wisdom practical today.
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