TSJ Interlude - On Blizzards, (Re)bookings, and Beginning with the Little Things

The Stoic Jew

Epictetus – Enchiridion (The Handbook)

1:1 – On the one hand, there are things that are in our power, whereas other things are not in our power. In our power are opinion, impulse, desire, aversion and, in a word, whatever is our own doing. Things not in our power include our body, our possessions, our reputations, our status, and, in a word, whatever is not our own doing.

1:2 – Now, things that are in our power are by nature free, unhindered, unimpeded; but things not in our power are weak, slavish, hindered, and belong to others.

1:3 – Remember, therefore, that whenever you suppose those things that are by nature slavish to be free, or those things that belong to others to be your own, you will be hindered, miserable and distressed, and you will find fault with both God and men. If, however, you suppose to be yours only what is yours, and what belongs to another to belong to another (as indeed it does), no one will ever compel you, no one will hinder you; you will find fault with no one, reproach no one, nor act against your own will, you will have no enemies and no one will harm you, for no harm can touch you.

12:2 – Therefore, begin with the little things. The olive-oil is spilled. The wine is stolen. Say to yourself, “This is the price for peace of mind, and this is the price for being free of troubles. Nothing can be had without paying the price.” And when you call your slave-boy, bear in mind that it is quite possible he won’t heed you, or even if he does heed you it is quite possible that he won’t do the things you tell him to. But he is not in so fine a position that your peace of mind depends upon him.
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For an overview of my approach to Sefer Mishlei check out this shiur in video form, or in podcast form, or in article form.
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If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.
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Stoic texts:
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Letters from a Stoic Master (Seneca)
The Discourses of Epictetus
The Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus
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