‘But difficult and disagreeable things happen in life.’ Well, aren’t difficulties found at Olympia? Don’t you get hot? And crowded? Isn’t bathing a problem? Don’t you get soaked through in your seats when it rains? Don’t you finally get sick of the noise, the shouting and the other irritations? [27] I can only suppose that you weigh all those negatives against the worth of the show, and choose, in the end, to be patient and put up with it all. [28] Furthermore, you have inner strengths that enable you to bear up with difficulties of every kind. You have been given fortitude, courage and patience. [29] Why should I worry about what happens if I am armed with the virtue of fortitude? Nothing can trouble or upset me, or even seem annoying. Instead of meeting misfortune with groans and tears, I will call upon the faculty especially provided to deal with it.
Discourses 1.6.26
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the human tendency to complain about difficulties and discomforts in life. Epictetus reminds us that "difficult and disagreeable things happen in life" (Discourses 1.6.26), but instead of getting bogged down by them, we can choose to be patient and put up with them.
The passage reveals that living well involves recognizing our inner strengths, such as "fortitude, courage and patience" (Discourses 1.6.28), which enable us to bear up with difficulties of every kind. By cultivating these virtues, we can develop a sense of resilience and confidence that allows us to face challenges with equanimity. As Epictetus says, "Nothing can trouble or upset me, or even seem annoying" (Discourses 1.6.29) when we are armed with the virtue of fortitude.
To apply this insight today, someone might reflect on the challenges they are currently facing and ask themselves: "What inner strengths do I have that can help me navigate this difficulty?" They might also consider the idea that "you weigh all those negatives against the worth of the show" (Discourses 1.6.27), and ask themselves what is the "worth of the show" in their current situation. What are the benefits or opportunities that make it worth putting up with the difficulties?
As a practical exercise, someone might try to reframe their complaints or worries as opportunities to practice patience, courage, or fortitude. For example, if they are stuck in a traffic jam, they might say to themselves: "This is a chance to practice patience and calmness in the face of frustration." By shifting their perspective in this way, they can begin to develop the inner strengths that will serve them well in all areas of life.
What is one difficulty you are currently facing, and how might you apply the virtue of fortitude to it today?