Chapter II In what a well-trained man should exercise himself; and that we neglect the principal things. There are 3 topics in philosophy, in which he who would be wise and good must be exercised: That of the desires and aversions, that he may not be disappointed of the one, nor incur the other. That of the pursuits and avoidances,

Chapter III What is the chief concern of a good man; and in what we chiefly ought to train ourselves. The chief concern of a wise and good man is his own Reason . The body is the concern of a physician, and of a gymnastic trainer; and the fields, of the husbandman. The business of a wise and good

Chapter IV Concerning one who made himself improperly conspicuous in the theatre. When the Governor of Epirus had exerted himself with improper eagerness in favour of a comedian, and was upon that account publicly railed at; and, when he came to hear it, was highly displeased with those who railed at him; Why, what harm, said Epictetus , have these

Chapter V Concerning those who plead sickness. “I am sick here,” said one of the scholars. “I will return home.” Were you never sick at home then? Consider whether you are doing anything here conducive to the regulation of your Will; for if you make no improvement, it was to no purpose that you came. Go home then, and take

Chapter VI Miscellaneous. When he was asked, how it came to pass, that though the art of reasoning might be now more studied, yet the improvements made were formerly greater? In what instance, answered he, is it now more studied; and in what were the improvements greater? For in what now is most studied, in that will be found likewise

Chapter VII Concerning a certain governor who was an Epicurean. When the Governor, who was an Epicurean , came to him: “It is fit,” said he, “that we ignorant people should inquire of you philosophers what is the most valuable thing in the world; as those who come into a strange city do of the citizens, and such as are

Chapter VIII How we are to exercise ourselves against the semblances of things. In the same manner as we exercise ourselves against sophistic questions, we should exercise ourselves likewise hi relation to such semblances as every day occur; for these, too, offer questions to us. Such a one’s son is dead. What think you of it? Answer; it is a

Chapter IX Concerning a certain orator, who was going to Rome on a lawsuit. A Person came to him who was going to Rome on a lawsuit in which his dignity was concerned; and, after telling him the occasion of his journey, asked him what he thought of the affair? If you ask me, says Epictetus , what will happen

Chapter X In what manner we ought to bear sickness. We should have all our principles ready for use on every occasion. At dinner bg-sky, such as relate to dinner bg-sky; in the bath, such as relate to the bath; in file bed, such as relate to the bed. “Let not the stealing god of sleep surprise. Nor creep in