And just so you don’t think I choose as my exemplar of freedom someone unencumbered by wife, children, friends, relatives and the demands of citizenship, factors that could make one bend and compromise, take for consideration Socrates, who had both wife and children, but as if they were on loan. He had a country, to the degree and in the manner called for; he had friends and relatives – but all these were subordinate to the law and the need to obey it.
Discourses 4.1.159
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the concept of freedom and how to live in accordance with nature. As Epictetus notes, "take for consideration Socrates, who had both wife and children, but as if they were on loan." This reveals that true freedom lies not in the absence of responsibilities or relationships, but in the way we approach them.
The Stoic reasoning behind this is that we should view our possessions, relationships, and even our own lives as "on loan," recognizing that they can be taken away at any moment. This mindset allows us to maintain a sense of detachment and prioritize what is truly important: living in accordance with virtue and reason. As Epictetus implies, Socrates' ability to obey the law and prioritize his values, even in the face of personal challenges, is a key aspect of living well.
Applying this insight today, someone might reflect on their own relationships and responsibilities, considering how they can approach them with a sense of detachment and prioritization. This might involve recognizing that their loved ones, possessions, and even their own life are not ultimately within their control, and that true freedom lies in living in accordance with their values and principles.
A practical step might be to ask oneself: What are the things in my life that I am treating as if they are mine to keep, rather than recognizing they are "on loan"? How can I cultivate a sense of detachment and prioritization, focusing on what is truly important to me?