The Enchiridion is one of my favorite philosophical works to reference. Commonly known as the Handbook of Epictetus, it is a short book that compiles key concepts drawn from the longer, more extensive Discourses. This clear and accessible text focuses on applying philosophy to daily life, emphasizing mental freedom, self-discipline, and resilience in the face of events outside our control. (Internet Archive, n.d.).

Anyone remotely interested in Stoic philosophy, or intimidated by complex literature, will find this to be by far the easiest entry point, in my opinion—regardless of whether it’s an original or modern translation.

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is the belief that the individual is wholly responsible for his or her interpretations of circumstance and that all of life is natural and normal in spite of one's impressions (Mark, 2011). The simplest way to explain it is that stoicism is a way of thinking that helps you stay calm and steady when life goes wrong, by reminding you to work on your reactions instead of trying to control everything around you. It says that true happiness comes from developing inner virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control, not from money, status, or other externals (Harte, n.d.).

 The Dichotomy of Control

Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions (Internet Archive, n.d.)

This is the first chapter of the Enchiridion, and is the most popular, however it is also in my opinion the most powerful. When you take a moment to deep dive into the meaning, the reality is that so much is outside of our control, we control nothing but our thoughts in our head and the actions we choose to take.

We don’t control our body, what people think of us, nor what will happen next in life. Although it is not easier, taking solace for a moment during difficult times to reflect that you can only control your thoughts (even your opinion) and the choices you choose to make can help free anyone.

Accepting Reality and Moving Forward

Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well (Internet Archive, n.d.).

This is the 8th chapter of the Enchiridion and is also powerful. When I reflect on the meaning, I find it links right back to letting go of control of the things we cannot control. Nothing is guaranteed in life. Even if you work hard or make the right choices, the unexpected can (and often will) still happen. Always understand what you control and what you do not control, and you will live a more free life.

When we demand that external circumstances match our wishes, we set ourselves up for disappointment and distress. Instead, accepting things as they are and focusing our wishes and efforts on what we can influence will help bring us peace.

Sources

Harte, E. (n.d.). Stoicism Simplified: an Easy
Overview of What Stoics Believe. Retrieved from Stoic Simple:
https://blog.stoicsimple.com/stoicism-simplified-an-easy-overview-of-what-stoics-believe/

Internet Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved from Epictetus the Enchiridion:
https://archive.org/details/epictetus-the-enchiridion

Mark, J. J. (2011). Epictetus - World History
Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Epictetus/