ARRIAN'S DISCOURSES OF EPICTETUS

15. That one should approach each task with circumspection.
16. That we should enter into social intercourse with caution.
17. Concerning providence. Stoics believed in a rational, governing principle of the universe called Providence.
18. That we should not be disturbed by news.
19. What is the condition of the laymanidiōtou: a person who has not studied philosophy, as opposed to the trained philosopher and of the philosopher?
20. That it is possible to derive benefit from all external things.
21. To those who lightly take up the profession of sophistsophisteuein: here referring to those who teach philosophy for display or money without living by its principles.
22. Concerning CynicismA radical branch of philosophy that emphasized living in accordance with nature through extreme self-discipline and the rejection of all social conventions. This is one of Epictetus's longest and most famous discourses, describing the Cynic as a "scout" for humanity.
23. To those who read and discuss for the purpose of display.
24. That we should not be emotionally attachedprospaschein: to be "affected by" or "passionately attached to" things outside our control to things not under our power.
25. To those who fail to achieve what they set before themselves.
26. To those who fear wantaporia: a state of being without resources; poverty or destitution.

BOOK III

1. On personal adornment.

1 Once, when a young student of rhetoric entered his presence with his hair arranged somewhat too elaborately and his overall dress very carefully decorated, Epictetus said: "Tell me, do you not think that some dogs are beautiful, and some horses, and similarly for each of the other animals?"

2 "I do," the young man replied. "Is it not also true then that some men are beautiful and others are ugly?" "How could it be otherwise?" "Then do we call each of these things beautiful for the same reason—within their own kind—or is there a specific quality for each?

3 You will see it this way: since we see that a dog is naturally adapted to one purpose, and a horse for another, and Epictetus is beginning a "Socratic" dialogue, leading the student to realize that "beauty" depends on how well a creature fulfills its natural function.