Short Works · Chapter
Chapter LXI explained
Epictetus advises on achieving just judgment by ignoring the biased parties and advocates in a dispute and focusing solely on the principle of justice itself.
What happens
Epictetus advises on achieving just judgment by ignoring the biased parties and advocates in a dispute and focusing solely on the principle of justice itself.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This moment is the emotional and philosophical peak where Epictetus forces the reader into a crisis of choice,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline
Provides a practical rule for exercising impartiality and justice in personal judgment, a key aspect of ethical self-discipline.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The speaker delivering the core instruction on impartial judgment.
Key passages
“If you wish to make your judgments just, listen not to (regard not) any of those who are parties (to the suit), nor to those who plead in it, but listen to justice itself.”
To judge fairly, ignore the biased arguments of the people involved and focus only on the abstract standard of justice.
Encapsulates the Stoic method of separating personal bias and persuasion from objective ethical reasoning.
