Big Ideas
The First Big Idea
The first big idea introduced by Epictetus is that a man cannot control everything in his life, but he can manage his attitude. The philosopher takes this position because most people believe external events like health, wealth, and reputation must always be regulated. This idea is essential since, according to Epictetus, people should not concern themselves with things outside their control but instead focus on their thoughts and actions.
As he emphasized, “some things are in our control and others not,” and in the face of any uncontrollable situation, everybody must “be prepared to say that it is nothing to [them]” (Epictetus 1). Concentrating on what is in one’s power can achieve an inner peace that external events cannot disturb. Thus, the speech accentuates the possibility of achieving a state of tranquility that comes from releasing human dependence on external conditions.
The Second Big Idea
The second big idea by Epictetus is that people should act with integrity and justice towards all people. The philosopher takes this position since people often act spitefully toward others, and a man “never expects either benefit or hurt from himself, but from externals” (Epictetus 17). In his insight, Epictetus understands that spiteful actions frequently fail to reduce long-term rage and bitterness.
The philosopher argues that people develop virtues inside themselves by teaching kindness and an impartial approach toward others. He then emphasized that “the condition and characteristic of a philosopher is that he expects all hurt and benefit from himself” (Epictetus 17). Thus, the idea is essential to the man since he believes people cultivate virtuous qualities within their character and spirit by acting with fairness and kindness towards everyone. Moreover, when people act justly, they can feel confident that they did the right thing, contributing to their inner peace and contentment.
Passage from Primary Text
“Is anyone preferred before you at an entertainment, in a compliment, or in being admitted to a consultation? If these things are good, you ought to be glad that he has gotten them, and if they are evil, don’t be grieved that you have not gotten them. And remember that you cannot, without using the same means [which others do], acquire things not in our control, expect to be thought worthy of an equal share of them. How can he who does not frequent the door of any [great] man, does not attend him, does not praise him, have an equal share with him who does?
You are unjust and insatiable if you are unwilling to pay the price for which these things are sold and would have them for nothing. How much lettuce is sold? Fifty cents, for instance. If another, then, paying fifty cents, takes the lettuce, and you, not paying it, go without it, don’t imagine that he has gained any advantage over you. As he has the lettuce, you have the fifty cents you did not give” (Epictetus 8).
Analysis of Primary Text
The Main Idea of the Passage
The main idea of the provided passage is that a man should always have a positive perspective on events that cannot be controlled. On the one hand, the philosopher illustrates that if somebody else is preferred and is given opportunities, they “ought to be glad that he has gotten them” (Epictetus 8). Epictetus strives to deliver the message that one can only control one’s personal attitudes and thoughts, and one cannot “expect to be thought worthy” (Epictetus 8).
Additionally, the philosopher provides a vivid example to help the audience understand the necessity of controlling one’s perspectives and approaches. When somebody else buys the last lettuce, one should not be disappointed since “[they] have the fifty cents which [they] did not give” (Epictetus 8). Therefore, the approach everybody should apply to their lives is to strive to control not other people or events but their inner self.
The Key to Understanding the Enchiridion
The given passage was identified as a key to understanding the Enchiridion because it focuses on an individual’s approach to events and other people. It helps the readers better understand the speech by showing through examples how the attitude to events can be changed when a person has a positive and kinder perspective. On the one hand, Epictetus illustrates that sometimes others can be “preferred before you at an entertainment, or in a compliment, or in being admitted to a consultation” (Epictetus 8).
However, the philosopher claims that it happens and a person cannot “acquire things not in our control,” showing that there will always be situations one cannot control and must embrace instead (Epictetus 8). On the other hand, Epictetus teaches people to be kind and fair to others through the example of lettuce. If a man bought it before somebody else, they should not “imagine that he has gained any advantage over [them]” (Epictetus 8). This way, an individual can foster the virtues within oneself and live in harmony, not letting the vices erode the good and happiness within them.
Pop Culture Comparison
Pop Culture Example
As for the pop culture example, the perfect instance would be Coca-Cola’s Choose Happiness commercial, which illustrates what can and cannot be controlled. The main message of the commercial is that happiness is always in a person’s control, and it can always influence others. As the narrator says in the commercial, “Why wait for happiness to happen to you when it’s something we can just choose to do” (Production Paradise 0:08). It demonstrates that there will be no perfect timing to be happy and kind and instead of trying to control it and wait for it to come, one should instead make an effort to have this feeling.
Moreover, the commercial emphasizes that one’s attitude permeates the lives of others. The man in the commercial states that “it’s so contagious, it affects everyone you touch” (Production Paradise 0:49). Therefore, instead of trying to control everything and wait for perfect opportunities, one should choose happiness and spread it to others.
Pop Culture Example Comparison
Finally, upon analyzing Epictetus’ Enchiridion and Coca-Cola’s Choose Happiness commercial, one can see that the overlapping message in the two sources is the introspective vision, which implies that happiness and kindness begin within oneself. For example, Coca-Cola’s commercial claims that happiness and kindness are “something we can just choose to do” (Production Paradise 0:08). Similarly to this, Epictetus’ Enchiridion demonstrates that people cannot “acquire things not in our control” and should instead focus on what can be controlled, which is the attitude (Epictetus 8).
However, there is a mild difference between the commercial and the speech. Epictetus emphasized that when people let negative thoughts permeate their behaviors, they become “unjust, then, and insatiable” (Epictetus 8). In comparison, while showing how one’s positive attitude influences others, the commercial fails to recognize the harmful impact on one’s character. Still, both sources successfully illustrate the necessity to focus on one’s behavior and views.
Works Cited
Epictetus. “The Enchiridion.” The Classic Internet Archive, 135. Web.
Production Paradise. “Coca-Cola Happiness Advertising Campaign “Choose Happiness”.” YouTube, 2016. Web.