An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 296 words)
hen you have recourse to divination, remember that you know not what the
event will be, and you come to learn it of the diviner; but of what
nature it is you knew before coming; at least, if you are of philosophic
mind. For if it is among the things not within our own power, it can by
no means be either good or evil. Do not, therefore, bring with you to the
diviner either desire or aversion—else you will approach him
trembling—but first clearly understand that every event is indifferent
and nothing to you, of whatever sort it may be; for it will be in your
power to make a right use of it, and this no one can hinder. Then come
with confidence to the gods as your counselors; and afterwards, when any
counsel is given you, remember what counselors you have assumed, and
whose advice you will neglect if you disobey. Come to divination as
Socrates prescribed, in cases of which the whole consideration relates to
the event, and in which no opportunities are afforded by reason or any
other art to discover the matter in view. When, therefore, it is our duty
to share the danger of a friend or of our country, we ought not to
consult the oracle as to whether we shall share it with them or not. For
though the diviner should forewarn you that the auspices are unfavorable,
this means no more than that either death or mutilation or exile is
portended. But we have reason within us; and it directs us, even with
these hazards, to stand by our friend and our country. Attend, therefore,
to the greater diviner, the Pythian God, who once cast out of the temple
him who neglected to save his friend.[5]
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
When uncertainty creates fear, we desperately seek external predictions instead of building internal resilience.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches the crucial difference between gathering useful information and desperately seeking someone to tell us everything will be okay.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you ask others for advice—are you seeking information to make a better decision, or are you hoping they'll make your anxiety disappear?
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Every event is indifferent and nothing to you, of whatever sort it may be; for it will be in your power to make a right use of it, and this no one can hinder."
Context: Explaining how to approach divination without fear
This is the core of Stoic philosophy—external events can't hurt you because you always have the power to choose your response. No one can take away your ability to act with dignity and wisdom.
In Today's Words:
Whatever happens, happens—what matters is how you deal with it, and that's completely up to you.
"Come to divination as Socrates prescribed, in cases of which the whole consideration relates to the event, and in which no opportunities are afforded by reason or any other art to discover the matter in view."
Context: Defining when it's appropriate to seek outside guidance
Seek advice only for practical questions that reason can't answer, not for moral questions where you already know what's right. This prevents us from using uncertainty as an excuse to avoid doing what we know we should do.
In Today's Words:
Only ask for advice about things you genuinely can't figure out yourself—don't use it as an excuse to avoid doing what you know is right.
"When it is our duty to share the danger of a friend or of our country, we ought not to consult the oracle as to whether we shall share it with them or not."
Context: Explaining when NOT to seek divination
Some decisions are moral imperatives that don't require consultation. When people we care about need help, we don't need a fortune teller to tell us what to do—our conscience already knows.
In Today's Words:
When your friend or community needs help, you don't need to ask anyone what to do—you already know you should help.
Thematic Threads
Personal Agency
In This Chapter
Distinguishing between what we can control (our response) versus what we cannot (outcomes)
Development
Builds on earlier themes of focusing on what's 'up to us'
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself asking 'What will happen?' instead of 'How will I handle it?'
Fear Management
In This Chapter
Fear drives us to seek false certainty from external sources rather than building courage
Development
Introduced here as a specific obstacle to clear thinking
In Your Life:
You might notice yourself frantically researching instead of preparing mentally for different outcomes.
Moral Clarity
In This Chapter
Some decisions don't require external consultation—conscience provides clear guidance
Development
Introduced here as distinct from practical decision-making
In Your Life:
You might realize you're seeking permission for choices you already know are right.
External Validation
In This Chapter
Seeking others to confirm what we hope is true rather than accepting reality
Development
Builds on themes of independence from others' opinions
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself shopping for the answer you want rather than the truth you need.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Epictetus says we approach fortune tellers 'trembling and already defeated.' What does he think we should focus on instead of trying to predict the future?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Epictetus make a distinction between practical decisions (like business ventures) and moral decisions (like helping a friend in trouble)?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about modern 'fortune telling' - frantically googling symptoms, asking everyone about relationship advice, endlessly researching before decisions. Where do you see this fearful information-seeking in your own life?
application • medium - 4
Epictetus suggests we should arrive at consultations 'prepared for any answer.' How would this change how you approach getting advice about something you're worried about?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about the difference between seeking certainty and building resilience? Which approach actually helps us handle whatever life throws at us?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Fortune-Seeking Patterns
Think of a current worry or decision you're facing. Write down all the ways you've been trying to get certainty about the outcome - who you've asked, what you've researched, how you've sought reassurance. Then rewrite your approach: What would change if you focused on preparing for any outcome instead of trying to predict which outcome you'll get?
Consider:
- •Notice whether this is a practical decision (where research helps) or a moral decision (where your conscience already knows)
- •Pay attention to whether fear or curiosity is driving your information-seeking
- •Consider what kind of person you want to be regardless of how this situation turns out
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you spent more energy trying to predict an outcome than preparing to handle whatever happened. What did that cost you, and how might you approach similar situations differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 32: Building Your Public Character
Next, Epictetus shifts from handling uncertainty to something even more fundamental: deciding who you want to be. He's about to give you a framework for building your character from the ground up, starting with how you present yourself to the world.
