Whatever moral rules you have deliberately proposed to yourself abide by them as they were laws.
Meaning
Near the end of the Enchiridion, Epictetus urges you to stop postponing your own improvement and to treat principles you have chosen as binding. Write down two personal rules, such as no phone at dinner, and keep them for thirty days.
Source: Enchiridion 50–51
About the author
(c. 50–135 CE) was a Greek Stoic philosopher who taught that true happiness comes from understanding what is within our control and accepting what is not. Born into slavery, he later gained freedom and became a respected teacher. His teachings, recorded in works such as the "Enchiridion," emphasize self-discipline, resilience, and inner freedom. Epictetus believed that external events are less important than our reactions to them. His philosophy has influenced modern psychology, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Epictetus’s timeless insights continue to guide individuals seeking peace, clarity, and strength in adversity.
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