Short Works · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Short Works by Epictetus.

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Chapter 1
The Enchiridion
The opening chapter introduces the foundational Stoic principle of the dichotomy of control, distinguishing between what is within our power (our judgments, desires, and aversions) and what is not (our body, property, reputation, and public office). It advises that true freedom and tranquility come from focusing exclusively on what is within our control.
Chapter 2
I
Epictetus introduces a core metaphor, comparing a life dependent on fortune to a turbulent, muddy, and short-lived winter torrent, establishing the instability of relying on external events.
Chapter 3
Chapter II
A brief, poetic description of the virtuous soul, likening it to a pure, ever-flowing, and beneficial natural spring.
Chapter 4
Chapter III
The chapter presents a foundational Stoic principle for moral improvement: the necessity of self-honesty and the recognition of one's own faults as the first step toward becoming virtuous.
Chapter 5
IV
A concise maxim advocating for honesty about one's faults and the consistent practice of right action, prioritizing moral integrity over the mere appearance of it.

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