All the Works of Epictetus · 12 of 100

Book I, Chapter 10

1.If we all applied ourselves as heartily to our proper Business, as the old Fellows at Rome do to their Schemes; perhaps we too might make some Proficiency. I know a Man older than I am, and who is now Superintendant of Provisions at Rome. When he past through this Place, on his Return from Exile, what an Account did he give me of his former Life! and how did he promise, that for the future, when he was got back, he would apply himself to nothing but how to spend the Remainder of his Days in Repose and Tranquillity. “For how few have I now remaining!” —— You will not do it, said I. When you are once got within the Smell of Rome, you will forget all this: and, if you can but once gain Admittance to Court, you will go in, heartily rejoiced, and thank God. “If you ever find me, Epictetus, said he, putting one Foot into the Court, think of me whatever you please.” Now, after all, how did he act? Before he entered the City, he was met by a Billet from Cæsar. On receiving it, he forgot all his former Resolutions; and has ever since been heaping up one Incumbrance upon another. I should be glad now, to have an Opportunity of putting him in mind of his Discourse upon the Road; and of saying, how much more clever a Prophet am I than you!

2.What then do I say? that Man is made for an inactive Life? No, surely. “But why is not ours a Life of Activity?” For my own part, as soon as it is Day, I recollect a little what Things I am to read over again [with my Pupils], and then say to myself quickly, What is it to me how such a one reads? My chief Point is to get to sleep.

3.But, indeed, what Likeness is there between the Actions of these [old Fellows at Rome] and ours? If you consider what it is they do, you will see. For about what are they employed the whole Day, but in calculating, contriving, consulting, about Provisions; about an Estate; or other Emoluments like these? Is there any Likeliness, then, between reading such a Petition from any one, as —— “ I intreat you to give me a Permission to export Corn;” and —— “ I intreat you to learn from Chrysippus, of what Nature the Administration of the World is, and what Place a reasonable Creature holds in it. Learn, too, what you yourself are; and wherein your Good and Evil consists.” Are these Things at all alike? Do they require an equal Degree of Application? And is it as shameful to neglect the one as the other?

4.Well, then, are we Preceptors the only idle Dreamers? No: but you young Men are so first, in a greater Degree. And so even we old Folks, when we see young ones trifling, are tempted to grow fond of trifling with them. Much more, then, if I was to see you active and diligent, I should be excited to join with you in serious Industry.