Because of this connection, some of us sink to the level of wolves – faithless, vicious and treacherous. Others turn into lions – wild, savage and uncivilized. But most of us become like foxes, the sorriest of the lot. [8] For what else is a spiteful, malicious man except a fox, or something even lower and less dignified?
Discourses 1.3.7
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the degradation of human character. As Epictetus notes, "some of us sink to the level of wolves – faithless, vicious and treacherous" and others become like foxes, "spiteful, malicious" (Discourses 1.3.7-8). This reveals that our choices and actions can lead us down a path of moral decay, causing us to lose our humanity.
This passage suggests that living well requires us to be mindful of our character and the company we keep. Epictetus implies that we have a choice in how we behave and that we should strive to be better than the animals he mentions. To apply this insight today, one could reflect on their own behavior and ask themselves: "Am I acting with integrity and kindness, or am I succumbing to base instincts?"
By examining our own actions and motivations, we can take steps to cultivate virtues such as faithfulness, civility, and compassion. We can also surround ourselves with people who uplift and support us, rather than those who bring out the worst in us. As we go about our day, we can ask ourselves: "What kind of person do I want to be, and what actions will I take to become that person?"