The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 1.22: On Preconceptions
Where is the good?
How can we align our preconceptions with nature and have them examine the good of life? In this discourse of Epictetus, as recorded by Arrian, we are asked to look at our preconceptions. Our Stoic teacher starts by saying that we all have our assumptions about what happened and what should happen. Moreover, they all have a certain amount of validity.
“Preconceptions are common to all men; and one preconception does not contradict another.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.1
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We all have our preconceived ideas and are quick to judge our situations. We are taught to look at the world from a certain angle. And as we can learn from Socrates, we all do what is in our own interest. Why would a sentient being do something against their good? We all have a strong sense of self-preservation and will act on that before anything else. This is where the meat of this discourse is: Where is the good in life?
Learn more about the basics of Stoicism in our post: What is Stoicism?
“For, who of us does not assume, that the good is advantageous and what we should choose, and, in all circumstances, seek and pursue?”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.1
Epictetus echoes the ideas of Socrates, that we all seek and pursue that what is good. Then it falls on us to know what the good is. This is where we get the understanding that people who do bad things or harm do so out of ignorance. They don’t know what the good thing is in life. Their preconceptions of the good life are not aligned with nature.
Why is there so much conflict
If we know that doing the right thing benefits us all, then why is there so much conflict in the world? How can we have our preconceptions so wrong that we find the need to harm each other? This is where the discourse gets interesting and Epictetus tries to explain by some interesting examples.
“This is the conflict between Jews and Syrians and Egyptians and Romans, not whether holiness should be honoured above all else and pursued in all circumstances, but whether eating swine’s flesh be consistent with holiness or not.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.4
The same example could be said between the Stoics and the Epicureans. They don’t disagree that there is a highest good for people to strive for, but whether that good is found in pleasure or in virtue. In the example above we can see that all these religions or beliefs agree that holiness is the highest goal, but they fight over the way that should be achieved. Whether or not to eat certain food, how to pray and how to act, and what to wear.
What is it to be properly educated?
“One or the other of them certainly makes a wrong application of the preconception of rightness.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.7
This is an astute observation of the fact that if we know that there is a right way to do things, yet we all do something different, then some must be wrong. How can we become educated enough to know what the right idea in life is? And of course, our teacher Epictetus knows how to point us in the right direction.
“What, then, is it to be properly educated? To learn how to apply natural preconceptions to particular cases, in accordance with nature; to distinguish that some things are in our power, and others not.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.9
Doesn’t this sound familiar? To separate what is in our power and what isn’t. The Dichotomy of control is a key principle in Stoicism. It is so fundamental, that we need to apply it in all cases, in particular when it comes to dealing with the good. What is in our own power? Choice. The rest, the body, family and friends, property, etc, all are externals. The good is not found there.
Familiarize yourself with the dichotomy of control in our post: What is under my control?
“Where, then, shall we place the good? To what class of things shall we apply it? To that of things that are in our power.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 22.11
How do we align our preconceptions with Nature?
If we only look at our own interests outside of our choice, then conflicts can arise. Epictetus gives an example of someone who feels they are entitled to land. That is what they believe to be good for them, so they feel it is just for them to take it from their neighbor. That is the fair view of the situation from their side. But is it justice in accordance with Nature? Will the taking of this land make this person live better? It is his choice to want the land, but his happiness is placed with him having the land. Thus outside of his sphere of control because it might be possible that he won’t get the land.
To align our preconceptions with Nature, we must accept that whatever happens is the way it should happen. This acceptance lies within our sphere of choice. Which allows us to focus our assumptions on the moment, observe it for what it is, and try to take the right action. That is what philosophy is about. To apply it to life and to learn from our experiences. By doing so we can grow as individuals and be of more benefit to the whole. We then find ourselves more aligned with nature and our preconceptions will focus on the good.
Do you find it difficult to focus on what is in your control and what isn’t? Are you not sure how to align your preconceptions with Nature? Then our Stoic coaches can help you find better alignment. You can learn more about the offers we have at Via Stoica, here. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter ‘The Pause’, or listen to our podcast on Stoicism.
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