Poor man, what’s worrying you? It can’t be money, You are rich in gold and bronze. Nor can it be your health, you’re fine. Your problem is that you have neglected and ruined the faculty with which we exercise the will to get or to avoid, to act or not to act. How? [32] By not learning the true nature of the good to which it is born and of the nature of evil, or learning where its interest lies. Whenever something that is none of its interest goes awry, it thinks, ‘Poor me, the Greeks are under attack.’
Discourses 3.22.31
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the misuse of our faculty of will, which leads to unnecessary worry and distress. As Epictetus notes, "You have neglected and ruined the faculty with which we exercise the will to get or to avoid, to act or not to act" (Discourses 3.22.31). This reveals that our troubles often stem from not understanding the true nature of good and evil, and consequently, misaligning our interests.
This passage suggests that living well requires us to focus on what is within our control and to distinguish between our true interests and external events. Epictetus implies that we should not be concerned with things that are "none of its interest" (Discourses 3.22.32), meaning we should not worry about events that are beyond our control or that do not directly affect our character or well-being.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their current worries and concerns. Are they related to things within their control, or are they worrying about external events or outcomes that are none of their concern? By recognizing the difference, individuals can begin to let go of unnecessary worries and focus on cultivating their character and making progress towards their genuine interests.
As you go about your day, ask yourself: What are my true interests, and where do my worries lie? Are they aligned, or am I expending energy on things that are "none of my interest"?