All the Works of Epictetus · 75 of 100

Book III, Chapter 17

1. Whenever you lay any thing to the Charge of Providence, do but reflect; and you will find, that it hath happened agreeably to Reason.

Well: but a dishonest Man hath the Advantage.

In what?

In Money.

Why: he is better [qualified] for it than you: because he flatters, he throws away Shame, he keeps awake: and where is the Wonder? But look whether he hath the Advantage of you in Fidelity, or in Honour. You will find he hath not: but, that where-ever it is best for you to have the Advantage of him, there you have it. I once said to one who was full of Indignation, at the good Fortune of Philostorgus, "Why: would you be willing to sleep with Sura? Heaven forbid, said he, that Day should ever come! —— Why then are you angry, that he is paid for what he sells: or how can you call him happy, in Possessions acquired by Means, which you detest? Or what Harm doth Providence do, in giving the best Things to the best Men? Is it not better to have a Sense of Honour, than to be rich? —— Granted. —— Why then are you angry, Man, if you have what is best? Always remember then, and have it ready, That a better Man hath the Advantage of a worse, in that Instance, in which he is better; and you will never have any Indignation.

But my Wife treats me ill.

Well: if you are asked, what is the Matter: answer; "My Wife treats me ill."

Nothing more?

Nothing.

My Father gives me nothing. —— What is the Matter? —— My Father gives me nothing. To denominate this an Evil, some external and false Addition must be made. We are not therefore to get rid of Poverty; but of our Principle concerning it; and we shall do well.

When Galba was killed, somebody said to Rufus, "Now, indeed, the World is governed by Providence." I never thought, answered Rufus, of bringing the slightest Proof, that the World was governed by Providence, from Galba.