Previous Stoicism

WHEN YOU LOSE CONTROL

“The soul is like a bowl of water, and our impressions are like the ray of light falling upon the water. When the water is troubled, it appears that the light itself is moved too, but it isn’t. So, when a person loses their composure it isn’t their skills and virtues that are troubled, but the spirit in which they exist, and when that spirit calms down so do those things.”

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary:

Epictetus uses the metaphor of water and light to explain that our inner turmoil does not actually change reality—only our perception of it. When water is disturbed, the reflection of light appears distorted, even though the light itself remains unchanged. Similarly, when we lose our composure, it is not our virtues or skills that are damaged, but rather our state of mind. Once we regain control of our emotions, clarity returns, and we can see things as they truly are.

Interpretation:

In real life, this means that our reactions to stress, anger, or fear do not define who we are. For example, if we face criticism or failure, we might feel overwhelmed and question our abilities. But just as still water reflects light accurately, a calm mind allows us to see situations with clarity and reason. Instead of reacting impulsively in moments of distress, we should step back, regain our composure, and remind ourselves that our true strength lies in how we manage our emotions, not in avoiding difficult situations.

 

visit our website
Instagram Tiktok

All Stoicisms

DOING THE RIGHT THING IS ENOUGH

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that doing good should be its own reward. Once your action has helped someone, there’s no need....

A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS

Epictetus cautions that powerful abilities—whether intellectual, emotional, or social—can be risky when used without wisdom. Like any force, they must be....

A LEADER LEADS

Marcus Aurelius describes three kinds of people who do good: one who expects gratitude, one who silently keeps score, and the....
Scroll to Top