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THE SOURCE OF YOUR ANXIETY

“When I see an anxious person, I ask myself, what do they want? For it a person wasn’t wanting something outside of their control, why would they be stricken by anxiety?”

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary:
 Epictetus suggests that anxiety stems from a desire for something beyond our control. If a person focused only on what they could influence, they would not experience anxiety. This highlights the Stoic principle of differentiating between what is within our power and what is not.

Interpretation:
 For readers of The Daily Stoic, this quote reinforces the importance of the Stoic dichotomy of control. In real life, it encourages examining your worries to determine if they stem from external factors you cannot change. For instance, if you’re anxious about how others perceive you, recognise that their opinions are outside your control. By shifting focus to actions you can take—like being kind and authentic—you free yourself from needless anxiety and embrace a more rational and peaceful mindset. This practice embodies the Stoic ideal of living in harmony with reason and nature.

 

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