Summary
Epictetus tackles one of humanity's oldest questions: how do we relate to forces beyond our control? He argues that true spirituality isn't about performing the right rituals or saying the right prayers—it's about understanding what's actually in your control and what isn't. When bad things happen, our natural instinct is to blame someone: the government, our boss, our family, even God. But Epictetus shows how this blame game reveals a fundamental misunderstanding about how life works. If you believe that external things—money, health, other people's behavior—are what make life good or bad, then you'll inevitably feel cheated when things don't go your way. You'll shake your fist at the universe and wonder why you're being picked on. But if you understand that your peace of mind depends only on how you respond to what happens, not on what actually happens, then you stop being a victim of circumstances. Epictetus uses the example of farmers cursing the weather or merchants blaming the economy—they're all making the same mistake of thinking their happiness depends on things they can't control. Real faith, he suggests, means trusting that you have everything you need to handle whatever comes your way. It means focusing your energy on your responses rather than your circumstances. This doesn't mean becoming passive or fatalistic—it means becoming truly powerful by directing your efforts where they can actually make a difference. The chapter ends with practical advice about religious observance: participate in your community's traditions, but don't mistake the ritual for the reality. True piety is about inner alignment, not external performance.
Coming Up in Chapter 31
Next, Epictetus turns to fortune-telling and divination—those moments when we're desperate to know what the future holds. He'll reveal why seeking certainty about tomorrow might be missing the point entirely, and how to approach uncertainty with wisdom instead of fear.
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An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 338 words)
Be assured that the essence of piety toward the gods lies in this—to form right opinions concerning them, as existing and as governing the universe justly and well. And fix yourself in this resolution, to obey them, and yield to them, and willingly follow them amidst all events, as being ruled by the most perfect wisdom. For thus you will never find fault with the gods, nor accuse them of neglecting you. And it is not possible for this to be affected in any other way than by withdrawing yourself from things which are not within our own power, and by making good or evil to consist only in those which are. For if you suppose any other things to be either good or evil, it is inevitable that, when you are disappointed of what you wish or incur what you would avoid, you should reproach and blame their authors. For every creature is naturally formed to flee and abhor things that appear hurtful and that which causes them; and to pursue and admire those which appear beneficial and that which causes them. It is impracticable, then, that one who supposes himself to be hurt should rejoice in the person who, as he thinks, hurts him, just as it is impossible to rejoice in the hurt itself. Hence, also, a father is reviled by his son when he does not impart the things which seem to be good; and this made Polynices and Eteocles[4] mutually enemies—that empire seemed good to both. On this account the husbandman reviles the gods; [and so do] the sailor, the merchant, or those who have lost wife or child. For where our interest is, there, too, is piety directed. So that whoever is careful to regulate his desires and aversions as he ought is thus made careful of piety likewise. But it also becomes incumbent on everyone to offer libations and sacrifices and first fruits, according to the customs of his country, purely, and not heedlessly nor negligently; not avariciously, nor yet extravagantly.
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Misplaced Blame
The automatic tendency to direct anger and energy toward forces beyond our control rather than focusing on our actual sphere of influence.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to quickly identify what parts of any frustrating situation are actually within your power to change.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel that surge of blame or frustration, then ask: 'What part of this situation can I actually influence with my next decision?'
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Piety
In Epictetus's time, this meant proper reverence toward the gods, but he redefines it as having correct understanding about what's truly in your control. It's not about following religious rules perfectly, but about aligning your mind with reality.
Modern Usage:
We see this when someone says they're 'spiritual but not religious' - focusing on inner peace rather than external rituals.
Providence
The Stoic belief that the universe is governed by rational, divine wisdom that arranges all events for the best. This doesn't mean everything that happens is good, but that there's an underlying order we should accept rather than fight.
Modern Usage:
Similar to saying 'everything happens for a reason' or trusting that challenges help us grow stronger.
Externals
Stoic term for anything outside your direct control - other people's actions, natural disasters, your health, money, reputation. Epictetus argues these things are neither truly good nor bad, just neutral circumstances.
Modern Usage:
Like when people say 'you can't control what happens to you, only how you react to it' - the 'what happens' are externals.
Polynices and Eteocles
Brothers from Greek mythology who killed each other fighting over who would rule Thebes. Epictetus uses them as an example of how believing external things (like power) are 'good' leads to conflict and destruction.
Modern Usage:
Any family feud over inheritance, or business partners destroying their relationship over money and control.
Reproach
To blame or criticize someone for causing your problems. Epictetus argues this happens automatically when you believe external things control your happiness - you'll always find someone to blame when things go wrong.
Modern Usage:
Like blaming your boss for your stress, the government for your problems, or your ex for your trust issues.
Natural formation
Epictetus's idea that all living things are naturally programmed to seek what benefits them and avoid what harms them. The problem is we often mistake what's truly beneficial versus what just feels good in the moment.
Modern Usage:
Our instinct to avoid discomfort and seek pleasure - like avoiding difficult conversations or choosing immediate gratification over long-term goals.
Characters in This Chapter
Polynices
Cautionary example
One of the mythological brothers who fought his brother to the death over ruling Thebes. Epictetus uses him to show how believing that external power and status are 'good' inevitably leads to conflict and destruction.
Modern Equivalent:
The family member who ruins relationships fighting over inheritance
Eteocles
Cautionary example
Polynices's brother who also died in their mutual destruction over the throne. Together they represent how external goods create enemies even out of people who should love each other most.
Modern Equivalent:
The business partner who destroys a friendship over money and control
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Be assured that the essence of piety toward the gods lies in this—to form right opinions concerning them, as existing and as governing the universe justly and well."
Context: Opening the chapter by redefining what real spirituality means
This challenges conventional religious thinking by saying true faith isn't about rituals or beliefs, but about understanding reality correctly. If you trust that the universe operates according to wisdom, you won't waste energy fighting what you can't control.
In Today's Words:
Real faith means trusting that life makes sense, even when you can't see the bigger picture.
"For if you suppose any other things to be either good or evil, it is inevitable that, when you are disappointed of what you wish or incur what you would avoid, you should reproach and blame their authors."
Context: Explaining why people blame others when external things go wrong
This reveals the psychological mechanism behind victim mentality. When you believe external circumstances determine your wellbeing, disappointment automatically turns into blame. You become a victim of whatever doesn't go your way.
In Today's Words:
If you think outside stuff controls your happiness, you'll always find someone to blame when life doesn't go your way.
"It is impracticable, then, that one who supposes himself to be hurt should rejoice in the person who, as he thinks, hurts him, just as it is impossible to rejoice in the hurt itself."
Context: Explaining why blame is a natural but misguided response
Epictetus shows that blame isn't a character flaw but a logical consequence of misunderstanding what actually harms us. If you think someone else controls your peace of mind, of course you'll resent them when you're unhappy.
In Today's Words:
You can't be grateful to someone you think is ruining your life - that's why blame feels so natural when we give others power over our happiness.
Thematic Threads
Control
In This Chapter
Epictetus distinguishes between what we can and cannot control, showing how confusion about this distinction creates suffering
Development
Deepens from earlier chapters about focusing on our responses rather than outcomes
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself getting angry at traffic, weather, or other people's choices instead of managing your own reactions.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
True spiritual development comes from inner alignment and self-mastery, not external rituals or circumstances
Development
Builds on previous themes about character development being the only reliable source of peace
In Your Life:
You might realize you're seeking validation through external achievements rather than developing genuine inner strength.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Epictetus advises participating in community traditions while maintaining inner independence from social pressure
Development
Continues the theme of navigating social obligations without losing personal integrity
In Your Life:
You might find yourself going through the motions at work or family events while staying true to your own values.
Class
In This Chapter
The wealthy merchant and poor farmer make the same fundamental error about what determines their wellbeing
Development
Reinforces that these philosophical insights transcend economic circumstances
In Your Life:
You might notice how both struggling and successful people in your life blame external factors for their happiness levels.
Identity
In This Chapter
True identity comes from how we respond to challenges, not from our circumstances or social roles
Development
Deepens the exploration of authentic selfhood versus external definitions
In Your Life:
You might question whether you define yourself by your job, relationships, or possessions rather than your character and choices.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
According to Epictetus, what's the difference between blaming external forces for our problems and taking responsibility for our responses?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Epictetus argue that blaming circumstances for our unhappiness is actually a form of powerlessness?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about a recent frustration in your life - were you focusing your energy on what you could control or what you couldn't control?
application • medium - 4
How would your approach to a current challenge change if you focused only on what's within your power to influence?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about the relationship between personal power and where we direct our attention?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Control Zones
Think of a current situation causing you stress or frustration. Draw three circles: things you can completely control, things you can influence, and things completely outside your control. Place specific aspects of your situation in each circle. Then identify one concrete action you can take in your 'complete control' zone today.
Consider:
- •Be honest about what truly falls in each zone - we often think we control more than we actually do
- •Notice where you've been spending most of your mental energy
- •Focus on actions, not outcomes, when identifying what you control
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you wasted energy fighting something outside your control. How might you handle a similar situation differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 31: When to Trust Your Gut Over Fortune Tellers
As the story unfolds, you'll explore to approach uncertain situations without letting fear drive your decisions, while uncovering to seek outside advice versus trusting your own moral compass. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.