"The Enchiridion"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Epictetus' "The Enchiridion" is a collection of fifty-two basic principles of Stoicism. It discusses how although Stoic philosophy has at its base the theory of positive moral conduct, some of Epictetus' proverbs in "The Enchiridion" are lacking substantive, practical application, work against the forward development of the individual, and devalue the experiences and emotions of people.

From the Paper:

"People are by nature emotional beings. The negating of emotion appears in several of Epictetus' short writings. In Number 3, Epictetus writes of objects or people that "delight the mind, or contribute to use, or are tenderly beloved". Removing the emotional attachment to objects makes their loss bearable. He applies the same idea to attachments to people. People are to be viewed simply as another mortal, thus grief and sadness at their death can be eliminated. By removing emotionalism from human relationships, the emotional being of a person is not fulfilled. Human life diminishes in value because everyone is simply viewed as another mortal. Adherence to this belief would also push individuals into a mode of self-centeredness. In order to not become emotionally attached or involved with other individuals would require a redirection of emotional energy toward self. The admonition against elation in Number 6 falls into the same category of muting emotions. By removing the expression of joy at events not entirely produced on your own merits, creates blandness in life. Emotional expression becomes suspect as a lack in moral integrity."

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