Turn to self

A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion primary

When any accident happens, turn inward and ask what power you have to use it well—temperance for beauty, endurance for pain, patience for insults—so appearances don’t overwhelm you.

But if ever there is occasion to join in them, let your attention be carefully fixed, that you slip not into the manners of the vulgar (the uninstructed). For you must know, that if your companion be impure, he also who keeps company with him must become impure, though he should happen to be pure. Take (apply) the things which relate to the body as far as the bare use, as food, drink, clothing, house, and slaves; but…