Epictetus Works (Discourses, Enchiridion, Fragments)

...likewise all the rest. For what else is it that says gold is beautiful? Gold itself does not speak. Clearly, it is that faculty which judges the appearances of things original: "appearances of things"; the Greek term phantasiai refers to the impressions or mental images we receive from the world through our senses. What else distinguishes music, grammar, and the other skills, proves their uses, and shows the proper occasions to use them? Nothing but this faculty.

Therefore, as it was fitting, the gods have placed only this most excellent and superior faculty in our own power: the right use of appearances. All other matters they have not placed in our power. Was it because they did not want to? I rather think that if they could have, they would have granted us those things too; but they certainly could not. For, while we are placed upon earth and confined to such a body and such companions, how was it possible that we should not be hindered in these external respects by things outside of ourselves?

But what does Zeus say?

"O Epictetus, if it were possible, I would have made this little body and property of yours free and exempt from any hindrance. But do not be mistaken: it is not truly your own, but only a clever mixture of clay The Stoics viewed the physical body as a temporary vessel made of "clay" or earth, distinct from the rational soul, which they considered the "true" self. Since I could not give you this, I have given you a certain portion of myself: this faculty of exerting the powers of pursuit and avoidance, of desire and aversion, and, in a word, the use of appearances. By taking care of this point and making your true self consist in this, you will never be restrained or hindered; you will not groan, you will not complain, and you will not have to flatter anyone. What, then! Do all these advantages seem small to you? Heaven forbid! Let them be enough for you, then, and thank the gods."

But now, when it is in our power to take care of one thing and to apply ourselves to one, we choose rather to...