‘What about if someone threatens me with death, though; surely he compels me then?’
‘It isn’t what you’re threatened with – it’s the fact that you prefer to do anything rather than die. [26] It’s your set of values that compelled you: will acting on will. [27] If God had made it possible for the fragment of his own being that he gave us to be hindered or coerced by anyone – himself included – then he wouldn’t be God, and wouldn’t be looking after us the way a god ought to. [28] “That,” the priest says, “is what I find inscribed in the sacrifice. This is God’s signal to you: if you want, you are free; if you want, you will blame no one, you will accuse no one – if you want, everything will happen according to plan, yours as well as God’s.”
Discourses 1.17.25
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the nature of freedom and compulsion. As Epictetus notes, "It isn't what you're threatened with – it's the fact that you prefer to do anything rather than die" (Discourses 1.17.25-26). This reveals that our choices and actions are driven by our own values and preferences, rather than external circumstances.
This passage offers a profound insight into how to live well: true freedom lies in our ability to make choices based on our values, rather than being coerced by external threats or desires. As Epictetus says, "If you want, you are free; if you want, you will blame no one, you will accuse no one" (Discourses 1.17.28). This suggests that we have the power to choose our own path, and to take responsibility for our actions.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on the areas of their life where they feel compelled or coerced by external circumstances. Are there situations where they feel forced to act against their values or desires? By recognizing that their choices are ultimately driven by their own preferences, they can begin to reclaim their freedom and make decisions that align with their values.
As a practical exercise, someone might ask themselves: "What are the things that I prefer to do, and what are the things that I feel forced to do? How can I align my actions with my values, and take responsibility for my choices?" By doing so, they can cultivate a sense of inner freedom and live more in accordance with their values. As Epictetus notes, "if you want, everything will happen according to plan, yours as well as God's" (Discourses 1.17.28), suggesting that living in alignment with our values can bring a sense of harmony and purpose to our lives.