All the Works of Epictetus · 15 of 100

Book I, Chapter 13

1.When a Person inquired, How any one might eat acceptably to the Gods: if he eats with Justice, says Epictetus, and Gratitude; and fairly and temperately, and decently, must he not also eat acceptably to the Gods? And when you call for hot Water, and your Servant doth not hear you; or, if he doth, brings it only warm; or perhaps is not to be found at home; then, not to be angry, or burst with Passion: is not this acceptable to the Gods?

But how, then, can one bear such Things?

Wretch, will you not bear with your own Brother, who hath God for his Father, as being a Son from the same Stock, and of the same high Descent [with yourself]? But, if you chance to be placed in some superior Station, will you presently set yourself up for a Tyrant? Will you not remember what you are, and over whom you bear Rule? That they are by Nature your Relations, your Brothers; that they are the Offspring of God?

But I have them by Right of Purchase, and not they me.

Do you see what it is you regard? That it is Earth and Mire, and these wretched Laws of dead Men; and that you do not regard those of the Gods.