Identifying Identity

As the reader continues the Handbook of Epictetus, he is immersed in a world of imperative statements. Epictetus has a strong voice, that makes each individual believe that he has a task in each aspect of his life for the good of the group. Epictetus’ universe is perfectly planned so that every action and sacrifice will build up the world’s history perfectly. He states that just “as a target is not set up to be missed, in the same way nothing bad by nature happens in the world” (27). This thought of connecting the daily events and problems with the destiny of the world explains a lot of Epictetus’ theory. He explains to his followers why it isn’t important to be tremendously affected by the bad moments of life, he truly gives hope by exposing that these events have to happen, they don’t depend on our decisions and actions.

This differentiation between the aspects of life that are our responsibility and those that are not, is a crucial concept in order to understand Epictetus’ teachings as I have tried to show in my previous posts (Death Is Destiny and Limiting Death). Epictetus describes that we can learn “the will of nature from the things in which we do not differ from each other” (26). This further explains how to not be moved by the ups and downs of life by maintaining a constant awareness of the importance our life has for the universe. By accepting that life, death, loss and fortune are events each individual has to live, we are assured it is something that characterizes nature, and is not up to us to decide, influence or contradict.

The point of view Epictetus shows through his work, also considers human nature to be different in a unique way for each human being. He talks about how “different people are naturally suited for different things” (29). This shows how human differences are tied with personality characteristics instead of needs and states. These different traits are determining factors in the role each human being will play and their effect on the greater picture, the connection between the actions of all the actors to the main play. Epictetus slowly turns the lights on, this helps the reader get accustomed to the different light that he is giving the world of our minds, the world of our identity and existence.