‘But how can I do it?’
You’ve often heard how – you need to suspend desire completely, and train aversion only on things within your power. You should dissociate yourself from everything outside yourself – the body, possessions, reputation, books, applause, as well as office or lack of office. Because a preference for any of them immediately makes you a slave, a subordinate, and prone to disappointment. [34] Keep Cleanthes’ verse handy:
Lead me, Zeus, lead me, Destiny.
Do I have to go to Rome? Then I go to Rome. To Gyara? All right, I go to Gyara instead. To Athens? Then Athens it is. To jail? Well then I go to jail. [35] But if you ever think, ‘When do we get to go to Athens?’ you are already lost. Either you’re going to be depressed when your wish is not realized or foolishly pleased with yourself if it is, overjoyed for the wrong reasons. And next time, if you’re not so lucky, you’ll grow disconsolate when events are not so much to your liking. [36] Give them all up.
‘But Athens is lovely.’
It would be lovelier still if you could secure happiness, free of emotion, poised and dependent on no one except yourself.
‘And Rome is all crowds and sycophancy.’
Discourses 4.4.33
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the importance of living in accordance with nature and accepting events as they unfold, rather than being controlled by desires and aversions. As Epictetus advises, "suspend desire completely, and train aversion only on things within your power" (Discourses 4.4.33). This means focusing on what can be controlled and letting go of attachments to external events and outcomes.
The passage reveals that living well requires a mindset of acceptance and detachment. It encourages us to dissociate ourselves from external things, such as possessions, reputation, and even physical location. As Epictetus says, "dissociate yourself from everything outside yourself" (Discourses 4.4.33). This allows us to maintain a sense of inner peace and freedom, regardless of external circumstances.
To apply this insight today, one could practice letting go of desires and expectations. For example, instead of getting caught up in thoughts like "I wish I could be in a different place" or "I hope this event turns out a certain way," one could focus on the present moment and accept things as they are. As Cleanthes' verse suggests, "Lead me, Zeus, lead me, Destiny" (Discourses 4.4.34), we can learn to accept and follow the natural course of events, rather than trying to control or resist them.
A practical exercise for today might be to identify one area where you are holding onto a strong desire or expectation, and then practice letting it go. Ask yourself, "What would happen if I didn't get what I want?" or "What would I do if things didn't turn out as planned?" By cultivating a sense of detachment and acceptance, you can begin to live more in accordance with nature and find greater peace and freedom in your daily life.
As you reflect on this passage, consider the question: What is one thing you can let go of today, in order to live more freely and in accordance with your values?