‘So do you philosophers teach contempt for rulers?’
Not at all. You don’t find any of us preaching defiance of them within their range of competence. [10] My body, my property, my standing in society, my friends – they can have them all. And I challenge anyone to say that I encourage others to lay claim to those things.
Discourses 1.29.9
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. In this passage, Epictetus clarifies that Stoic philosophy does not advocate for contempt or defiance towards rulers or external authorities, but rather a clear understanding of their "range of competence" [Discourses 1.29.9].
This reveals a key insight for living well: recognizing the limits of external control and focusing on what is truly within our power. As Epictetus notes, external things like "my body, my property, my standing in society, my friends" can be taken or affected by others, including rulers [Discourses 1.29.10]. The Stoic approach is not to resist or defy these external forces, but to acknowledge their power and focus on what we can control, which is our own character, judgments, and actions.
To apply this insight today, consider what aspects of your life are within your control and what are not. Are you expending energy on resisting or worrying about things that are ultimately outside of your power to change? Reflect on how you can redirect that energy towards cultivating your own character, making wise decisions, and taking actions that align with your values. As Epictetus suggests, we can "challenge anyone to say that I encourage others to lay claim to those things" that are not within our control [Discourses 1.29.10].
What is one thing you can let go of today, recognizing it is outside of your control, and instead focus on what you can truly influence?