Philosophy Flashcards
What does Epictetus say our relationship to God is? Two quotes
“but knowing that you are the son of God, shouldn’t your pride be that much greater? “
“You, on the other hand, are a creature placed in charge, and a particle of God himself; there is a bit of God within you.”
What does Epictetus say about what ‘tragedies’ are?
“For what else are tragedies but the ordeals of people who have come to value externals, tricked out in tragic verse?”
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (p. 34). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
What does Epictetus say on progess?
‘Show me your shoulders,’ and he responded with, ‘Have a look at my weights.’ ‘Get out of here with you and your gigantic weights!’ I’d say, ‘What I want to see isn’t the weights but how you’ve profited from using them.’
Progess is only when you have applied what you have learnt. Simply learning more does not equal progress
What does Epictetus say on difficulties? In respect to Hercules and what to do when Zeus brings down difficulties on us?
Hercules didn’t become Hercules without the Lion, Hyrda and the Stag.
“Now that you know all this, come and appreciate the resources you have, and when that is done, say, ‘Bring on whatever difficulties you like, Zeus; I have resources and a constitution that you gave me by means of which I can do myself credit whatever happens.’”
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What does Epictetus say about the similarities of being the son of an emperor and the son of god?
“If being related to the emperor or any of the other great ones at Rome is enough to live without fear, in privilege and security, shouldn’t having God as our creator, father and defender protect us even more from trouble and anxiety?”
Meaning to live without fear of what is going to happen(Outside of our control) as God is guiding us on the path. He gave us the power to face anything through our impressions which are competely within our control
In Discourses the following is quoted
“Such is life”
What does this mean?
“The master is going to inflict you with some hardship or other” Epictetus replies “such is life”
Meaning difficulties are part of life from birth till death. We cannot control what happens to us, we only control our impressions on them
What does Epictetus believe getting a philosophical education means?
“Getting an education means learning to bring our will in line with the way things happen – which is to say, as the ruler of the universe arranged.”
How does Epictetus believe that most people without education act? How does he say you should act?
“No, you gripe and protest against circumstance. If you’re alone, you call it desolation, if you’re in company you describe them all as swindlers and backstabbers; you curse your own parents”
Instead
When you’re with a large group you shouldn’t say you’re in a mob or crowd, but a guest at a feast or festival – and in that spirit learn to enjoy it.
What does Epictetus say we should be thankful for from the gods?
You should thank the gods for making you strong enough to survive what you cannot control, and only responsible for what you can. [33] The gods have released you from accountability for your parents, your siblings, your body, your possessions – for death and for life itself. [34] They made you responsible only for what is in your power – the proper use of impressions. [35] So why take on the burden of matters which you cannot answer for? You are only making unnecessary problems for yourself.
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (p. 59). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
How does Epictetus say we should look at other people?
“that they are kinsmen, brothers by nature, fellow descendants of Zeus.”
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (p. 60). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
“You are invincible if nothing outside the will can disconcert you.”
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings
How does Epictetus frame us not caring little about how we use our impressions?
“If you want to know just how little concerned you are about things good and bad, and how serious about things indifferent, compare your attitude to going blind with your attitude about being mentally in the dark. You will realize, I think, how inappropriate your values really are.”
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (p. 75). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
“The true man is revealed in difficult times”
Epictetus. Discourses and Selected Writings
How can i become impartial to impressions akin to how I view waking up early?
I now view waking up early as neither good nor bad. It is simply just what time i wake up for the day.
What is the story in Discourses about the two scouts views of Rome? And what does this mean in regards to impressions?
One scout viewed Rome as:
“‘Conditions are terrible in Rome, everywhere death, exile, poverty, informants – everything a shambles. Fly, the enemy is upon us!”
The other more wise scout came back with a report of less dramatic:
‘There is no enemy near by,’ he said. ‘All is peace and tranquillity.’
It shows how two different people have different impressions. The wise scout said am I wounded, disabled or in flight from any enemy force?’ the other was a report of death and poverty and forecasting the end of Rome
