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BINDING OUR WISHES TO WHAT WILL BE

“But I haven’t at any time been hindered in my will, nor forced against it. And how is this possible? I have bound up my choice to act with the will of God. God wills that I be sick, such is my will. He wills that I should choose something, so do I. He wills that I reach for something, or something be given to me—I wish for the same. What God doesn’t will, I do not wish for.”

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary

Epictetus explains that true freedom lies in aligning one’s own desires with the natural order or the will of the divine. When our wishes mirror what happens, regardless of our personal preferences, we experience no frustration, as we are not battling the natural course of events. By choosing to wish for things as they are or will be, rather than how we would prefer, we avoid unnecessary distress and live harmoniously with the world.

Interpretation

In real life, this teaching encourages us to accept circumstances that are beyond our control, choosing instead to make peace with them. For example, if faced with illness, rather than resisting or lamenting it, we could focus on managing it in line with our values, thereby maintaining inner calm. By adapting our goals and desires to reality as it unfolds, we reduce conflict with the world and find peace in situations that might otherwise cause us stress. This perspective helps us to move fluidly with life’s changes, trusting that acceptance, rather than resistance, is key to inner strength and contentment.

 

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