It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them. Death, for example, is nothing frightening, otherwise it would have frightened Socrates. But the judgement that death is frightening – now, that is something to be afraid of. So when we are frustrated, angry or unhappy, never hold anyone except ourselves – that is, our judgements – accountable. An ignorant person is inclined to blame others for his own misfortune. To blame oneself is proof of progress. But the wise man never has to blame another or himself.
Enchiridion 5.1
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the power of judgment in shaping our experiences. As Epictetus notes, "It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them" (Enchiridion 5.1). This reveals that our judgments, not external events, are the primary source of our distress.
This insight suggests that living well requires us to examine and challenge our judgments. When we attribute our emotions to external events, we relinquish control over our well-being. In contrast, recognizing that our judgments are the root cause of our emotions empowers us to take responsibility for our experiences.
To apply this insight today, consider the following guidance: when faced with a challenging situation, pause to examine your judgment about the event. Ask yourself if your judgment is based on facts or if it is distorted by emotions or biases. As Epictetus advises, "never hold anyone except ourselves – that is, our judgements – accountable" (Enchiridion 5.1). By taking ownership of your judgments, you can begin to transform your experiences and cultivate a more tranquil and wise approach to life.
What judgment are you holding onto today that might be causing you distress, and are you willing to examine and challenge it?