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Situated as he was, we can hardly wonder that thoughts like these occupied a large share of the mind of Epictetus, or that he had taught himself to lay hold of them with the firmest possible grasp. Socrates was one of the great models whom Epictetus constantly seats before him, and this is one of the anecdotes which he relates about him with admiration.
He did much for the diffusion of education, was one of the founders and sec. of the Royal Geographical Society, and ed. of the Penny Cyclopædia. He translated Marcus Aurelius , and The Discourses of Epictetus , and wrote Two Discourses on Roman Law , a subject on which he was the greatest English authority. Poet, was b. at Portland, Maine, the s. of Stephen L., a lawyer.
Why, that whatever may betide, our ruling faculty may be as Nature would have it, and so remain. Think you this a small matter? Not so! but the greatest thing there is. Well, does it need but a short time? Can it be grasped by a passer-by? grasp it, if you can! Then you will say, "Yes, I met Epictetus!" Aye, just as you might a statue or a monument. You saw me! and that is all.
He wrote in the style of Xenophon the "Anabasis of Alexander," a book on "Tactics," and several histories which have been lost. He is chiefly of note, however, as the Boswell of Epictetus. He died about 180 A.D. The reasoning faculty alone considers both itself and all other powers, and judges of the appearance of things.
My father a man of deep reading prompt memory with Cato, and Seneca, and Epictetus, at his fingers ends. The corporal with nothing to remember of no deeper reading than his muster-roll or greater names at his fingers end, than the contents of it.
It is accordingly under Roman sway that we first come across characters approximating to the modern type, like Cicero, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
"Solitude is indeed a misnomer for a home peopled with such creations as adorn these walls." "No. Have you forgotten the definition of Epictetus? 'To be friendless is solitude." "I hope, madam, that you may never find yourself in that unfortunate category, and certainly there are " "Sir, I know what Michael Angelo felt when he wrote from Rome, 'I have no friends; I need none."
It is desire set on externals, and so disappointed, that brings discontent, repining, impiety. Yet Epictetus has distinct and serious limitations. He assumes that to avoid all perturbation is the aim of the wise man. This can be accomplished only by the sacrifice of all objects of desire which lie outside of the control of the will, and he advises this sacrifice.
We see this in the Good Templar, the Social Purity person, the Trades Unionist, and the moral faddist generally. Musonius Rufus sternly reminded Epictetus that there were other crimes besides setting the Capitol on fire." "Have you done? " asked Alf, coldly but gently. "Let me tell you one more story while I'm able. I'll soon be silent enough. The man I'm thinking of was a saw-mill owner.
Shall we touch on that subject whose very name seems to prohibit discussion? what is called "social equality," or as others would prefer "social intimacy." Either phrase seems to evoke a phantom before which consideration and composure flee. But we may, as Epictetus suggests, say, "Appearances, wait for me a little; let me see who you are and what you are about, and put you to the test."
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