As it is, though, we fail to realize how little we differ from the mass of men, the only difference being that they are afraid they will not hold office, while you are afraid you will. Don’t act that way; [20] if you must laugh at someone who is anxious that he won’t hold office, then laugh at yourself as well. Someone suffering from rabies and afraid of water is no better off than someone suffering from fever and ready to drain the ocean dry. [21] If you would dictate to circumstance, how can you emulate Socrates, who said, ‘If it pleases the gods, so be it’?
Do you think Socrates would have been as ready to serve on so many campaigns if he had longed to linger in the Academy or the Lyceum every day, conversing with young men? No, he would have groused and grumbled, ‘Hell, here I am in misery when I might be back in the Lyceum sunning myself.’ Is that your job, sunning yourself? [22] Isn’t it rather to be happy, unflappable and equal to every occasion? How could he have remained Socrates, had he yielded to disaffection? How would he have been the same man who wrote hymns of praise behind prison walls?
Discourses 4.4.19
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the desire for control and the fear of external circumstances. As Epictetus notes, "if you would dictate to circumstance, how can you emulate Socrates, who said, 'If it pleases the gods, so be it'" (Discourses 4.4.21). This reveals that living well involves accepting what is outside of our control and focusing on our own character and actions.
This passage suggests that we should strive to be "happy, unflappable and equal to every occasion" (Discourses 4.4.22). To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their own desires and fears, and consider how they might be dictating to circumstance. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to control the uncontrollable? Are there situations that trigger anxiety or disaffection in you?
As Epictetus asks, "Isn't it rather to be happy, unflappable and equal to every occasion?" (Discourses 4.4.22). This question invites us to re-examine our priorities and values. What is your job, really? Is it to achieve a specific outcome, or is it to cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience? By letting go of the need to control external events and focusing on our own character, we can begin to live more in accordance with nature and achieve a sense of inner peace.
As you go about your day, you might ask yourself: What would I be like if I were to accept the present moment, just as it is, and let go of my desire to dictate to circumstance?