Now, if we continued to practise this discipline every day from morning to night, we would see some results, by God. [17] As it is, though, we are overcome by every impression that we meet. Only in school – if even there – does our brain briefly come to life. Outside school, whenever we see a person in mourning, we think to ourselves, ‘She’s crushed.’ If we happen to spy a consul, we think, ‘There goes one lucky man.’ The sight of a person in exile elicits ‘How tragic’ in response; a beggar prompts us to think, ‘Poor guy, he doesn’t even have money enough for food.’ [18] These are the insidious opinions we need to concentrate hard to expunge. What, after all, are sighing and crying, except opinions? What is ‘misfortune’? An opinion. And sectarian strife, dissension, blame and accusation, ranting and raving – [19] they all are mere opinion, the opinion that good and bad lie outside us. Let someone transfer these opinions to the workings of the will, and I personally guarantee his peace of mind, no matter what his outward circumstances are like.
Discourses 3.3.16
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the tendency to be controlled by external impressions and opinions. As Epictetus notes, "we are overcome by every impression that we meet" (Discourses 3.3.16). This reveals that our judgments and emotions are often driven by superficial appearances and societal expectations, rather than by reason and virtue.
The passage highlights the importance of recognizing that "sighing and crying, except opinions" (Discourses 3.3.18) and that "misfortune" is also an opinion. This insight suggests that our experiences and emotions are shaped by our internal judgments, rather than by external events themselves. By acknowledging this, we can begin to separate our internal responses from the external circumstances that trigger them.
To apply this insight today, one might practice observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment, noticing when they are reacting to external impressions or opinions. As Epictetus advises, we should "concentrate hard to expunge" (Discourses 3.3.18) these insidious opinions that drive our negative emotions. By doing so, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and detachment from external events.
A practical step might be to take a few moments throughout the day to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, asking yourself: "Is this thought or feeling based on an opinion, or is it rooted in reason and virtue?" By regularly examining your internal responses, you can begin to develop a greater sense of awareness and control over your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to live more in accordance with your values and principles.
What is one opinion or impression that you notice yourself reacting to today, and how might you reframe it in a more rational and virtuous light?