Dear Friends,
Here is the next installment of The Handbook of Epictetus:
30. The actions that are appropriate for us can generally be determined by our relationships. He is your father. This tells you to take care of him, to yield to him in all things, to put up with him when he abuses you or beats you.
‘But he is a bad father.’
Nature did not provide for you a good father, but a father. Your brother wrongs you? Well then, maintain your relationship to him. Do not think about what he is doing, but about what you will have to do if you want to keep your moral character in accordance with nature. For no one can harm you unless you wish it. You will be harmed only when you think you are harmed. If you get into the habit of looking at the relationships implied by ‘neighbour’, ‘citizen’, ‘commander’, you will discover what is proper to expect from each.
Copyright © 2002 by Keith H. Seddon
Offline 
Send Email