‘I mean, if you were sick, would you want your family, your wife, children and the rest, to be so caring as to walk away from you and leave you to yourself?’
‘No.’
Discourses 1.11.25
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of self-sufficiency and independence in one's personal struggles. The passage from Discourses 1.11.25 reveals that even in times of hardship, such as illness, having others constantly catering to one's needs may not be truly beneficial.
As Epictetus implies, "if you were sick, would you want your family... to be so caring as to walk away from you and leave you to yourself?" suggests that there is value in being able to cope with one's own struggles. This idea encourages individuals to develop inner strength and resilience, rather than relying solely on external support.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on areas where they are overly reliant on others for emotional support or validation. By acknowledging and addressing these dependencies, individuals can begin to cultivate a greater sense of self-sufficiency and autonomy. This could involve taking on personal challenges, practicing mindfulness, or simply learning to navigate difficult emotions without immediately seeking external comfort.
As you meditate on this passage, consider: What is one personal struggle where you could practice greater self-sufficiency today?