"Discourses" - читать интересную книгу автора (Epictetus)

attack. Remembering this, whom will you still flatter or fear?

"But I should like to sit where the Senators sit." Do you see that
you are putting yourself in straits, you are squeezing yourself.
"How then shall I see well in any other way in the amphitheatre?" Man,
do not be a spectator at all; and you will not be squeezed. Why do you
give yourself trouble? Or wait a little, and when the spectacle is
over, seat yourself in the place reserved for the Senators and sun
yourself. For remember this general truth, that it is we who squeeze
ourselves, who put ourselves in straits; that is, our opinions squeeze
us and put us in straits. For what is it to be reviled? Stand by a
stone and revile it; and what will you gain? If, then, a man listens
like a stone, what profit is there to the reviler? But if the
reviler has as a stepping-stone the weakness of him who is reviled,
then he accomplishes something. "Strip him." What do you mean by
"him"? Lay hold of his garment, strip it off. "I have insulted you."
Much good may it do you.

This was the practice of Socrates: this was the reason why he always
had one face. But we choose to practice and study anything rather than
the means by which we shall be unimpeded and free. You say,
"Philosophers talk paradoxes." But are there no paradoxes in the other
arts? and what is more paradoxical than to puncture a man's eye in
order that he may see? If any one said this to a man ignorant of the
surgical art, would he not ridicule the speaker? Where is the wonder
then if in philosophy also many things which are true appear
paradoxical to the inexperienced?

CHAPTER 26

What is the law of life

When a person was reading hypothetical arguments, Epictetus said:
This also is an hypothetical law that we must accept what follows from
the hypothesis. But much before this law is the law of life, that we
must act conformably to nature. For if in every matter and
circumstance we wish to observe what is natural, it is plain that in
everything we ought to make it our aim that is consequent shall not
escape us, and that we do not admit the contradictory. First, then,
philosophers exercise us in theory, which is easier; and then next
they lead us to the more difficult things; for in theory, there is
nothing which draws us away from following what is taught; but in
the matters of life, many are the things which distract us. He is
ridiculous, then, who says that he wishes to begin with the matters of
real life, for it is not easy to begin with the more difficult things;
and we ought to employ this fact as an argument to those parents who
are vexed at their children learning philosophy: "Am I doing wrong
then, my father, and do I not know what is suitable to me and
becoming? If indeed this can neither be learned nor taught, why do you
blame me? but if it can he taught, teach me; and if you cannot,