Book Summary · Epictetus
Discourses and Selected Writings: Summary
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.
Key takeaways from Discourses and Selected Writings
The ideas readers on HourLife upvote the most, in order.
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1
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.
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2
Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.
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3
Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.
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4
No man is free who is not master of himself.
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5
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
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6
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
How to apply Discourses and Selected Writings
Turn the ideas into something you can do this week.
The Morning Dichotomy Review
Before the day begins, write top three concerns. For each: Up to me vs Not up to me. Commit only to the first column.
The Opinion Test
When something upsets you, ask: Is my disturbance caused by the event — or by my opinion about the event?
Role Excellence Practice
Choose one role this week. Write: A person who plays this role excellently does… Then practice one behavior from that sentence.
The Judgment Pause
When urged to judge or complain about another person, pause: Do I know their intentions? Do I know my own fully?
Voluntary Hardship
Choose one small discomfort this week: cold shower, simple meal, walking instead of driving. Do it deliberately.
Sort one concern by control
Take today's loudest worry and put it in Up to me or Not up to me — then act only on the first.
Practice one role excellence act
Do one behavior from your role-excellence sentence today.
Take today's voluntary hardship
Complete the small deliberate discomfort you chose for the week.
No man is free who is not master of himself.