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In “Enchiridion,” Epictetus stresses that human beings do not and cannot control life. Terrible things can and will happen, including the death of children and spouses. But human beings do control how they respond. We always have a choice a ....

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... end to such wantings and cravings, we will bring an end to suffering and we will be happy. As I understand it, Epictetus clearly distinguishes between the external and the internal body: The outer body is subject to circumstances such as illness, torture, personal losses etc. The inner body, however, is completely in our own control. We have the power to free ourselves inside, our duty is to make our minds master over expectations, desires, and needs. We should not depend on external events for our happiness, but upon reason, inner continuity and stability. The Stoic resolves, in his life, to be calm in the midst of activity and chaos, ...