Short Works · Chapter
LXXXIII explained
Epictetus uses the analogy of breeding lions to advise a ruler that the character of the citizens is more important than the splendor of the city's buildings.
What happens
Epictetus uses the analogy of breeding lions to advise a ruler that the character of the citizens is more important than the splendor of the city's buildings.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- 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
- Virtue as the Only Good
The chapter prioritizes the 'manly character' (virtue) of citizens as the true good for a ruler to cultivate, over external 'costliness'.
- Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline
Offers concrete, ethical advice for leadership, focusing on what is within a ruler's control—fostering virtue—rather than external appearances.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The author and speaker, offering direct advice on governance.
Key passages
“As, if you wished to breed lions, you would not care about the costliness of their dens, but about the habits of the animals;”
Just as a lion breeder focuses on the lions' nature, not their cages,
Analogy establishing the primary focus.
“so, if you attempt to preside over your citizens, be not so anxious about the costliness of the buildings as careful about the manly character of those who dwell in them.”
so a ruler should prioritize the virtue of the people over the grandeur of the city.
The core Stoic advice applied to governance.
