Short Works · Chapter
LXXXVI explained
Epictetus advises maintaining one's purpose and inner resolve, drawing a parallel between resisting the unreasonable demands of a multitude and not being swayed by an unjust rabble.
What happens
Epictetus advises maintaining one's purpose and inner resolve, drawing a parallel between resisting the unreasonable demands of a multitude and not being swayed by an unjust rabble.
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
- Dichotomy of Control
Focuses on maintaining control over one's own purpose and judgment, not being moved by the unjust or unreasonable demands of others (an external).
- Inner Freedom and Slavery
Highlights the freedom found in steadfastness to one's own reasoned purpose, resisting enslavement to the opinions or pressures of the crowd.
Characters to notice
- Epictetus
The speaker, offering direct advice on maintaining purpose against external pressure.
Key passages
“As a multitude, when they without reason demand of you anything of your own, do not disconcert you, so do not be moved from your purpose even by a rabble when they unjustly attempt to move you.”
Just as you shouldn't be troubled by a crowd's unreasonable demands for your possessions, don't let an unjust mob sway you from your chosen course.
Emphasizes consistency in inner fortitude against all forms of external, unjust pressure.
