When you are going to meet someone, especially someone deemed important, imagine to yourself what Socrates or Zeno would have done in the situation and you won’t fail to get on, whatever happens. [13] When you are going to the house of someone influential, tell yourself that you won’t find them in, that you will be locked out, that the door will be slammed in your face, that they won’t give you the time of day. And, despite that, if it’s the right thing to go, then go and face the consequences. Don’t say to yourself later, ‘It wasn’t worth it.’ That’s the mark of a conventional person at odds with life.
Enchiridion 33.12
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue, rather than being swayed by external events or the opinions of others. As Epictetus suggests, "imagine to yourself what Socrates or Zeno would have done" in a given situation, and you will be guided towards a virtuous path (Enchiridion 33.12).
This passage reveals that living well involves cultivating inner strength and resilience, rather than seeking external validation or comfort. By imagining a difficult outcome, such as being "locked out" or "slammed in your face," one can prepare themselves for the challenges of life and act with greater courage and determination (Enchiridion 33.13).
To apply this insight today, consider a situation where you may be seeking external approval or comfort. Ask yourself, "What would a wise and virtuous person do in this situation?" Imagine the potential difficulties or setbacks, and remind yourself that it is the right action that matters, not the outcome. As Epictetus warns, saying "it wasn't worth it" after the fact is a sign of being "at odds with life." Instead, focus on taking the right action, regardless of the consequences.
What difficult conversation or action are you putting off today, and how might you approach it with greater courage and virtue?