Let’s turn to our standards, produce our preconceptions. I mean, this is what flabbergasts me. If there’s a question about weight, we don’t formulate a judgement at random; if it’s a matter of judging straight and crooked, we don’t make our decision based on whim. [29] If the truth of the case makes any difference to us at all, then none of us operates in the dark. [30] Yet when it comes to the first and foremost cause of good and bad conduct; when it’s a matter of doing well or ill, of failure or success – only then do we proceed blindly and erratically, only then are we found to lack anything like a scale or measure. A sense impression appears and right away I react. [31] Am I better than Agamemnon and Achilles, insofar as they do and suffer such wrongs by following their impressions, while the impression does not satisfy me? [32] Is there any tragedy with a different source? What is the Atreus of Euripides? An impression. The Oedipus of Sophocles? An impression. The Phoenix? An impression. Hippolytus? An impression. [33] What kind of person, then, pays no attention to the matter of impressions, do you think? Well, what do we call people who accept every one indiscriminately?
‘Madmen.’
And do we act any differently?
Discourses 1.28.28
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the importance of examining our impressions and judgments before acting. As Epictetus notes, "A sense impression appears and right away I react" (Discourses 1.28.30). This highlights the tendency to act impulsively, without considering the consequences or the truth of the matter.
The passage reveals that living well requires us to be mindful of our impressions and to evaluate them critically. Epictetus asks, "Is there any tragedy with a different source? What is the Atreus of Euripides? An impression. The Oedipus of Sophocles? An impression" (Discourses 1.28.32). This suggests that many of our actions, and the consequences that follow, are driven by unexamined impressions.
To apply this insight today, one might take a step back before reacting to a situation. As Epictetus says, "If the truth of the case makes any difference to us at all, then none of us operates in the dark" (Discourses 1.28.29). Take a moment to consider the impression that is driving your reaction. Ask yourself if it is based on reason and evidence, or if it is simply a whim. By doing so, you can begin to cultivate a sense of inner strength and wisdom, and make more intentional decisions.
As you go about your day, remember that "we don't formulate a judgement at random" (Discourses 1.28.28) in other areas of life, such as judging weight or straight and crooked lines. Why should we act differently when it comes to our impressions and judgments? By applying this same level of scrutiny to our thoughts and actions, we can live more intentionally and virtuously.
What impression is driving your reaction to a current challenge, and how might you examine it more critically?