Pain too is just a scary mask: look under it and you will see. The body sometimes suffers, but relief is never far behind. And if that isn’t good enough for you, the door stands open; otherwise put up with it. [20] The door needs to stay open whatever the circumstances, with the result that our problems disappear. [21] The fruit of these doctrines is the best and most beautiful, as it ought to be for individuals who are truly educated: freedom from trouble, freedom from fear – freedom in general. [22] The masses are wrong to say that only freeborn men are entitled to an education; believe the philosophers instead, who say that only educated people are entitled to be called free. [23] I will explain. What else is freedom but the power to live our life the way we want?
‘Nothing.’
Do you want to live life doing wrong?
‘No.’
Therefore, no one doing wrong is free. [24] Do you want to live your life in fear, grief and anxiety?
‘Of course not.’
So no one in a state of constant fear is free either. By the same token, whoever has gained relief from grief, fear and anxiety has gained freedom. [25] What confidence, then, can we have in our own dear legislators when they say that only freeborn people are entitled to an education, when the philosophers contend that only people already educated can be considered free? God will not allow it, you see.
Discourses 2.1.19
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the concept of freedom and how it relates to living a good life. According to Epictetus, "What else is freedom but the power to live our life the way we want?" [Discourses 2.1.23]. This highlights that true freedom is not just about external circumstances, but about living in accordance with one's values and principles.
The passage reveals that living well is closely tied to living a life of virtue, free from fear, grief, and anxiety. As Epictetus notes, "no one doing wrong is free" [Discourses 2.1.23] and "no one in a state of constant fear is free either" [Discourses 2.1.24]. This suggests that individuals should focus on cultivating inner strength, wisdom, and self-control in order to achieve true freedom.
To apply this insight today, someone might reflect on their own values and principles, and ask themselves: "Am I living my life in accordance with what I truly want, or am I being driven by external factors or negative emotions?" They might also consider the ways in which they can cultivate inner freedom, such as by practicing mindfulness, letting go of fears and anxieties, and focusing on living a virtuous life.
As Epictetus says, "The door stands open; otherwise put up with it" [Discourses 2.1.20], reminding us that we always have the power to choose how we respond to challenging circumstances. By embracing this mindset, individuals can begin to live more freely and authentically, unencumbered by external pressures or internal doubts.
What is one thing you can do today to exercise your inner freedom, and live more in accordance with your values and principles?