The Teaching of Epictetus

Epictetus (trans. T. W. Rolleston) · c. 108 CE primary

passage 65 of 145 · CHAPTER I. > CHAPTER I.

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in brief

Epictetus explains that obligations arise from relationships: a father requires care, a neighbor or citizen requires civic duties, and you should focus on how to keep your will aligned with Nature rather than judge others.

OBLIGATIONS.

Obligations are universally defined by the bonds of relation. Is such a man your father? Then it is implied that you are to take care of him, to give place to him in all things, to bear his rebukes, his chastisement. But if he be a bad father? Were you then related by any law of Nature to a good father? Nay, but simply to a father. Your brother does you wrong. Then guard your own place towards him, nor scrutinize what he is doing, but what you may do to keep your will in accord with Nature. For none other shall hurt you, if yourself choose it not, but you shall be hurt then when you conceive yourself to be so.
Thus shall you discover your obligations from the offices of a neighbor, a citizen, a general, if you will accustom yourself to watch the relationships.

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topics: counsel and advisers to rulers · duty, conscience, and obligation · kinship, lineage, and clan

The Teaching of Epictetus · Epictetus (trans. T. W. Rolleston) · 100–135