If I were slave to one of these philosophers I would taunt him constantly, even if I got a beating every day in consequence. If he said, ‘Put some oil in the bath, boy,’ I’d go grab the fish sauce and pour it over his head.
‘What the... ?’
‘Pardon me, I recieved an impression - identical, indistinguishable, I swear to you – of olive oil.’
‘Bring me the cereal.’
Discourses 2.20.29
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of living in accordance with nature and not being swayed by external impressions. As Epictetus illustrates, "I recieved an impression - identical, indistinguishable, I swear to you – of olive oil" (Discourses 2.20.29). This passage reveals that our perceptions and impressions can be misleading, and it's essential to question and examine them before acting.
This insight can be applied today by being mindful of our thoughts and emotions. When we receive an impression or have a strong feeling, we should take a step back and examine it critically. Ask yourself, "Is this impression accurate, or is it based on incomplete information?" or "Is this emotion justified, or is it driven by external factors?"
To live well, we should strive to be like the slave in the passage, who is not afraid to question and challenge his master's assumptions. We can apply this insight by being more discerning in our daily lives, not blindly following external expectations or our own initial impressions. Instead, we should focus on developing our inner strength and wisdom, allowing us to make more informed decisions and live in greater harmony with nature.
As you go about your day, consider this question: What impression or assumption am I acting on, and is it truly justified?