Summary
Epictetus delivers a reality check for anyone serious about self-improvement: people are going to mock you. When you start studying philosophy or making positive changes in your life, expect friends, family, and coworkers to roll their eyes and make snide comments about your 'sudden transformation.' They'll accuse you of being pretentious or putting on airs. This chapter is essentially a survival guide for the inevitable pushback you'll face when you decide to better yourself. The key insight here is preparation - if you know the mockery is coming, you won't be blindsided by it. Epictetus warns against two major pitfalls: first, don't actually become arrogant or condescending (which would prove the critics right), and second, don't give up because of the criticism. The philosopher emphasizes that consistency is everything. If you stick to your principles despite the ridicule, those same people who mocked you will eventually respect you. But if you cave to social pressure and abandon your efforts, you'll face double humiliation - both for trying and for failing. This isn't just ancient advice; it's a timeless pattern that plays out whenever someone tries to break free from their circumstances, whether that's pursuing education, getting sober, or simply reading books. The chapter teaches us that growth requires both inner strength and outer humility - you need the backbone to persist but the wisdom not to become insufferable in the process.
Coming Up in Chapter 23
Next, Epictetus tackles the dangerous temptation to perform your philosophy for others rather than living it authentically. He'll explore why seeking external validation can completely derail your personal development journey.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 100 words)
F you have an earnest desire toward philosophy, prepare yourself from the very first to have the multitude laugh and sneer, and say, “He is returned to us a philosopher all at once”; and, “Whence this supercilious look?” Now, for your part, do not have a supercilious look indeed, but keep steadily to those things which appear best to you, as one appointed by God to this particular station. For remember that, if you are persistent, those very persons who at first ridiculed will afterwards admire you. But if you are conquered by them, you will incur a double ridicule.
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Transformation Backlash
When someone begins improving themselves, they face predictable mockery and criticism from those closest to them who feel threatened by the implied challenge to their own choices.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when criticism stems from threatened identity rather than legitimate concerns.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when pushback against your choices feels disproportionate to the actual change—that's often transformation backlash, not genuine feedback.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Philosophy
In Epictetus's time, philosophy wasn't academic study but a way of life focused on practical wisdom and self-improvement. It meant committing to principles that would help you live better and handle life's challenges.
Modern Usage:
Today we see this in self-help culture, therapy, or anyone seriously working on personal growth.
Supercilious
Acting superior or looking down on others with an arrogant attitude. Epictetus warns against developing this trait when you start improving yourself, as it proves your critics right about you being pretentious.
Modern Usage:
This is the know-it-all coworker who acts smug after reading one business book, or someone who becomes insufferable after starting a diet.
The Multitude
The general public or masses of people who resist change and mock those trying to better themselves. Epictetus sees them as predictable in their reactions to anyone pursuing self-improvement.
Modern Usage:
This is your social circle that makes fun of you for going back to school or the family members who roll their eyes when you start eating healthy.
Station
Your appointed role or position in life, which Epictetus believes comes from divine assignment. He suggests that pursuing philosophy is fulfilling your proper role as a thinking human being.
Modern Usage:
Today this might be finding your calling or purpose, whether that's being a good parent, excelling at your job, or serving your community.
Double Ridicule
The shame you face both for trying to improve yourself and then giving up when it gets hard. Epictetus warns this is worse than never trying at all.
Modern Usage:
This is what happens when someone announces they're getting fit, quits after two weeks, and becomes the office joke about failed New Year's resolutions.
Persistence
The key virtue Epictetus emphasizes - sticking to your principles and goals despite social pressure or mockery. He believes this consistency will eventually win over even your critics.
Modern Usage:
This is the single mom who keeps taking night classes despite everyone saying it's pointless, and eventually earns her degree.
Characters in This Chapter
The earnest student
Protagonist seeking wisdom
This is the person Epictetus is directly addressing - someone who genuinely wants to study philosophy and improve their life. They represent anyone ready to commit to serious self-development despite social costs.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who decides to go back to school at 35
The multitude
Social antagonists
These are the people who will mock and sneer at anyone trying to better themselves. They represent the predictable resistance you'll face from society when you start changing for the better.
Modern Equivalent:
The friends who make fun of you for reading instead of watching TV
God
Divine authority figure
Represents the higher power that assigns each person their role in life. Epictetus suggests that pursuing wisdom is fulfilling a divine appointment, giving weight and legitimacy to the student's efforts.
Modern Equivalent:
Your sense of purpose or calling
Key Quotes & Analysis
"If you have an earnest desire toward philosophy, prepare yourself from the very first to have the multitude laugh and sneer"
Context: Opening warning to anyone serious about self-improvement
This sets realistic expectations rather than sugar-coating the journey. Epictetus knows that growth threatens others and makes them defensive, so they'll try to tear you down. Preparation prevents discouragement.
In Today's Words:
If you're serious about bettering yourself, get ready for people to make fun of you from day one.
"He is returned to us a philosopher all at once"
Context: What critics will say when they see someone trying to improve
This captures the sarcastic tone people use to dismiss others' growth efforts. They act like self-improvement is pretentious or fake, as if genuine change is impossible.
In Today's Words:
Oh look, now they think they're so smart all of a sudden.
"Do not have a supercilious look indeed, but keep steadily to those things which appear best to you"
Context: Advice on how to handle the criticism without becoming arrogant
The key balance - don't prove your critics right by becoming insufferable, but don't abandon your principles either. Stay humble while staying committed.
In Today's Words:
Don't act like you're better than everyone, but stick to what you know is right for you.
"If you are conquered by them, you will incur a double ridicule"
Context: Warning about what happens if you give up due to social pressure
This reveals the trap many people fall into - they try to change, face mockery, quit, and then become a laughingstock for both trying and failing. It's worse than never starting.
In Today's Words:
If you let them talk you out of it, you'll look twice as foolish - for trying and for quitting.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
The tension between self-improvement and accusations of abandoning your social class or 'getting above yourself'
Development
Building on earlier themes of knowing your place in society
In Your Life:
You might face this when pursuing education, changing jobs, or even changing how you speak or dress.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The pressure to conform to group norms and the punishment for deviating from expected behavior
Development
Expanding on how society enforces conformity through various mechanisms
In Your Life:
You see this in family dynamics, workplace culture, and friend groups that resist change.
Identity
In This Chapter
The challenge of maintaining authentic self-improvement without becoming arrogant or losing your core identity
Development
Continuing exploration of how we define ourselves versus how others define us
In Your Life:
You might struggle with staying true to yourself while growing beyond your current circumstances.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
The reality that meaningful change requires persistence through social resistance and internal doubt
Development
Building on themes of self-discipline and taking responsibility for your development
In Your Life:
You face this whenever you try to break negative patterns or build positive habits.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
How personal transformation affects relationships and requires navigating changing social dynamics
Development
Exploring how philosophy affects our connections with others
In Your Life:
You might find relationships shifting as you grow, requiring careful balance between growth and connection.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Epictetus, what should you expect when you start trying to improve yourself through philosophy or education?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do people mock others who are trying to better themselves? What threatens them about someone else's growth?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this 'transformation backlash' pattern in modern life - at work, in families, or in your community?
application • medium - 4
If you were helping a friend who's facing criticism for going back to school or making positive changes, what specific advice would you give them?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about why some people stay stuck while others break free from limiting circumstances?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Growth Resistance Network
Think of a positive change you want to make or are currently making. Draw a simple map of the people in your life and predict how each might react. Mark supporters in green, potential critics in red, and neutral parties in yellow. Then strategize how you'll handle each group.
Consider:
- •Critics often mask their own insecurities as concern for you
- •Some resistance comes from people who genuinely care but fear you'll outgrow them
- •Your response to criticism will determine whether relationships survive your growth
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you faced pushback for trying to improve yourself. How did you handle it? What would you do differently now that you understand this pattern?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 23: Don't Perform for Others
What lies ahead teaches us seeking external approval undermines your personal integrity, and shows us being authentic to yourself is more valuable than appearing impressive to others. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.