Education should be approached with this goal in mind: ‘How can I personally follow the gods always, and how can I adapt to God’s government, and so be free?’ [9] Freedom, you see, is having events go in accordance with our will, never contrary to it.
Discourses 1.12.8
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the concept of freedom and living in accordance with one's will. As Epictetus notes, "Freedom, you see, is having events go in accordance with our will, never contrary to it" (Discourses 1.12.9). This reveals that true freedom is not about external circumstances, but rather about aligning one's will with the natural order of things.
This insight suggests that living well involves cultivating a sense of inner freedom, where one's desires and actions are in harmony with the world around them. To apply this today, consider what it means to "follow the gods always, and adapt to God's government" (Discourses 1.12.8). This might involve letting go of attachments to specific outcomes and instead focusing on what is within your control.
As you go about your day, ask yourself: What are my values and principles, and am I acting in accordance with them? Am I trying to control things that are outside of my power, or am I focusing on what I can truly influence? By reflecting on these questions, you can begin to cultivate a sense of inner freedom and live more in accordance with your will.
What is one thing you can let go of today to align your will with the natural order of things?