All the Works of Epictetus · 35 of 100

Book II, Chapter 3

1.Diogenes rightly answered one, who desired Letters of Recommendation from him, “At first sight he will know you to be a Man; and whether you are a good or a bad Man, if he hath any skill in distinguishing, he will know likewise: and, if he hath not, he will never know it, though I should write a thousand times.” Just as if you were a Piece of Coin, and should desire to be recommended to any Person as good, in order to be tried: if it be to an Assayer, he will know your Value; for you will recommend yourself.

2.We ought, therefore, in Life also, to have something analogous to this Skill in Gold; that one may be able to say, like the Assayer, Bring me whatever Piece you will, and I will find out its Value: or, as I would say with regard to Syllogisms, Bring me whomever you will, and I will distinguish for you, whether he knows how to solve Syllogisms, or not. Why? Because I can solve Syllogisms myself, and have that Faculty, which is necessary for one who knows how to find out Persons skilled in the Solution of Syllogisms. But how do I act in Life? I at sometimes call a Thing good; at others, bad. What is the Cause of this? The contrary to what happens in Syllogisms; Ignorance, and Inexperience.