‘Do not remain in Nicopolis,’ they say to me; so I don’t remain there.
‘Don’t stay in Athens either.’
So I quit Athens.
‘Not Rome either.’
So I abandon Rome.
Discourses 1.25.19
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the concept of detachment and adaptability. In [Discourses 1.25.19], Epictetus illustrates his willingness to let go of external circumstances, such as his location, when advised to do so. This passage reveals that living well involves being open to change and not overly attached to specific outcomes or situations.
As Epictetus shows, he doesn't resist or argue with the advice to leave a place, instead, he acts on it. This demonstrates a key Stoic principle: focusing on what is within our control and being willing to adapt to circumstances that are not.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on areas where they are overly attached to specific outcomes or resistant to change. Are there situations where you are holding on too tightly to a particular result or circumstance? Consider letting go of that attachment and focusing on what you can control in the moment.
As you navigate your day, ask yourself: "What am I holding onto that I can let go of?"