That’s what we need: the star athlete’s concentration, together with his coolness, as if it were just another ball we were playing with too. To be sure, external things of whatever kind require skill in their use, but we must not grow attached to them; whatever they are, they should only serve for us to show how skilled we are in our handling of them.
It’s like weaving: the weaver does not make the wool, he makes the best use of whatever wool he’s given. [22] God gives you food and property, and can take them back – your body too. Work with the material you are given. [23] If you come through all right, most people you meet will congratulate you on surviving. A shrewd judge, however, will praise you and share in your pleasure only if he sees that you acted honourably in the case; not, however, if he sees that your success was owed to anything dishonest. When happiness is come by fairly, others are happy for us too.
Discourses 2.5.21
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of detachment and skillful use of external things. As Epictetus notes, "external things of whatever kind require skill in their use, but we must not grow attached to them" (Discourses 2.5.21). This passage reveals that living well involves developing a sense of detachment and focus on what we can control, rather than becoming overly invested in external outcomes.
The analogy of the weaver is particularly insightful, as it suggests that our role is to "make the best use of whatever wool" we are given (Discourses 2.5.22). This means working with the circumstances and resources available to us, rather than trying to control or manipulate them to our advantage. By doing so, we can demonstrate our character and skill, regardless of the outcome.
To apply this insight today, someone might reflect on their own attachments and desires. Are there external things that they are overly invested in, such as material possessions or social status? By letting go of these attachments and focusing on what they can control, they can cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience. As Epictetus notes, "God gives you food and property, and can take them back – your body too" (Discourses 2.5.22). This reminder can help us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.
A practical step someone might take today is to identify one area where they feel overly attached or invested, and then take a small step back from it. This might involve letting go of a desire for a specific outcome, or practicing gratitude for what they already have. By doing so, they can begin to develop the skill and detachment that Epictetus describes, and move closer to living a life of greater freedom and inner peace.
What is one thing you are holding onto too tightly today, and how might you begin to let go of it?