Stoic Sage

The underlying Stoic issue here is the nature of envy and its impact on one's well-being. As Epictetus notes, "Is a man racked by envy happy? Not at all, they're miserable" (Discourses 2.12.7). This passage reveals that envy is a source of misery, not happiness. It implies that when we envy others, we are focusing on what we lack, rather than what we have, and this focus leads to unhappiness. This insight suggests that living well involves letting go of envy and focusing on what is within our control. As Epictetus implies, envy is often directed towards something good that someone else has, which means that our dissatisfaction arises from comparing ourselves to others. To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their own feelings of envy and ask themselves: "What am I envious of?" and "Is this envy serving me or making me miserable?" By recognizing the destructive nature of envy, we can begin to shift our focus towards our own values, goals, and actions. We can choose to cultivate a sense of gratitude for what we have, rather than comparing ourselves to others. As Epictetus' passage suggests, this shift in focus can help us move away from misery and towards a more fulfilling life. What is one thing you can let go of today that is driven by envy, and how might that release allow you to focus on your own path?