Morning Devotional

I meant to post this a long time ago, like many of the notes that I take in class, but it's never too late.  Anyway, this is from when we read "The Enchiridion" by Epictetus.  I found eight things that I found really meaningful to me that I could work into my mornings (or nights, since mornings don't usually go too well for me).

#8:  "Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well."

In other words, one shouldn't dwell on dreams, but instead stick with reality, otherwise we might lose ourselves.

#9:  "Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice."

I took this to mean you have the choice to look past misfortunes as minor obstacles, or you can look at misfortunes and see them as an unclimbable wall.

#10:  "With every accident, ask yourself what abilities you have for making a proper use of it....  If you hear unpleasant language, you will find patience."

With this and the other examples given, it seems to mean that by asking yourself what abilities (or virtues) you have, you will help yourself enhance your virtues, and lead to a more fulfilling life.

#15:  "Remember that you must behave in life as at a dinner party."

When I first read this, I laughed.  I thought it was completely ridiculous, but once I finished with this specific entry, I realized that it made sense.  It basically talked of the old saying 'good things come to those who wait'.  But this also took it a step further, mentioning that if one could hold out a little more than normal, "you will eventually be a worthy partner of the feasts of the gods."  In other words, the reward will be much better and more satisfying.

#19:  "You may be unconquerable, if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own control to conquer.... for, if the essence of good consists in things in our control, there will be no room for envy or emulation."

What I thought Epictetus was trying to say was that only things in our control can be given the power to cause happiness.  In other words, we can't control what others receive, and we therefore shouldn't envy what others have.  In it's other examples, he also seems to be saying that power doesn't equal happiness, and we should not wish to have power, but accept it if it comes our way.

#20:  "Remember, that not he who gives ill language or a blow insults, but the principle which represents these things as insulting.  When, therefore, anyone provokes you, be assured that it is your own opinion which provokes you."

In other words, don't give an enemy the power to lower your self- esteem, for you are the only one with the power to allow it to be lowered.  Don't let others' comments get to you, and instead brush them off, realizing the person is likely jealous of what you have.

#42:  "When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty....  Therefore, if he judges from a wrong appearance, he is the person hurt, since he too is the person deceived."

I really liked this passage (which also goes with #20).  In my opinion, it basically says that if someone insults you, don't take him seriously because you are who you are, and you should stay that way.  The reason he insulted you is because he doesn't know you, and that isn't your fault in any way, shape, or form, so don't let it get you down.

#43:  "Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be carried, the other by which it cannot."

From this sentence, he seems to be saying that we have two options, and only one is right.  But from the example he supports this with, it gave me a different interpretation.  He talks of a brother who 'acts unjustly', and that, even though he was wrong, we should help him anyway because "he was brought up with you."  I'm confused though if he's saying we should help him because he is family, related by blood, or if we should take the high road which will lead to a better life.