Previous Stoicism

OPINIONS ARE LIKE . . .

What is bad luck? Opinion. What are conflict, dispute, blame, accusation, irreverence, and frivolity? They are all opinions, and more than that, they are opinions that lie outside of our own reasoned choice, presented as if they were good or evil. Let a person shift their opinions only to what belongs in the field of their own choice, and I guarantee that person will have peace of mind, whatever is happening around them.

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary:
Epictetus teaches that many of life’s troubles—like bad luck, blame, or conflict—are not objective realities, but opinions shaped by how we choose to interpret events. When we focus only on what is within our control and filter our judgments accordingly, we can maintain inner peace no matter what happens externally.

Interpretation:
In real life, this could apply to something as simple as losing a job or being criticised online. One person might see it as a disaster, while another views it as a chance for growth or redirection. The difference lies in opinion, not fact. If we stop assigning unnecessary meaning or blame to things outside our control and instead focus on how we respond, we can stay calm and grounded amid life’s ups and downs. Peace of mind, then, becomes a matter of perspective—not circumstance.

 

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