Freedom: Understanding and Embracing True Liberty

True freedom lies in aligning one's will with the law of nature, rejecting external control, and focusing on what is within one's power.

### Epictetus: The Path to Freedom and Mastery
* 🔓 "He is free who lives as he wills, who is subject neither to compulsion nor hindrance nor force, whose choices are unhampered, whose desires attain their end, whose aversions do not fall into what they would avoid."
* 🧠 The key to freedom is to distinguish between what is within our control (**the moral purpose**) and what is not (**external things like the body, property, and reputation**).
* 🙅 Therefore, the body is not our own, its members are not our own, property is not our own. If then you conceive a strong passion for someone of these things as though it were your **immediate possession**, you will be **punished**.
* 🎓 True freedom lies in aligning our will with the will of God or nature, accepting whatever happens with an **attitude of gratitude** and without **resistance**.
* 👑 "For what purpose did I receive these gifts? To use them for how long? **For as long as he who lent them to you wills**."
* 💭 Epictetus challenges us to live according to our principles and not to betray our values for the sake of **external things like money, power, or status**.
* 🏛 "That is how a friend is condemned on the testimony of a philosopher. That is how a philosopher turns **parasite**. That is how he hires himself out for **money**."
* 👀 "Watch yourself and see how you **could**."

### Epictetus: The Path to Freedom and Serenity
* 🧘 Epictetus teaches that true freedom lies in **surrendering all claims to things outside the moral purpose**, and regarding **nothing as our own**.
* 🧠 The good and excellent man neither contends with anyone, nor allows others to contend, following Socrates' example of **avoiding contention**.
* 💡 "The good and excellent man has ever before him the object of **becoming and remaining in harmony with nature**."
* 🏛 Epictetus compares the imperishable and secure nature of judgments to the **perishable and assaultable** nature of walls, bodies, possessions, and reputation.
* 🎉 Rejoice in the things you have learned and put into practice, such as **reducing a malignant disposition** or **being unmoved by what once moved you**.
* 📚 "If you seek to act like a man, examine your store, see what **faculties you brought with you into the world**."
* 🐏 "Here is a man who does not listen to reason. He is an ass. Here is one whose sense of self-respect has grown none. He is **useless, a sheep, anything but a human being**."
* 🤔 "If you do not drink with those you used to drink with, you cannot be **loved by them as you used to be**."

### Epictetus: The Art of Being a Philosopher
* 📜 Epictetus teaches that every being naturally pursues good and avoids evil, considering those who deprive us of good as **enemies, even if they are family**.
* 🏡 He illustrates this by mentioning Socrates, who managed his household with a shrewish wife and unkindly son, showing that **external events do not matter as much as one's moral purpose**.
* 🧠 According to Epictetus, the **right moral purpose alone is good**, and the **wrong moral purpose alone is bad**, leaving no room for contention over externals.
* 💂 He explains that **fearing tyrants and their guards is unnecessary** if one does not fear death or exile and considers them as **natural parts of life**.
* 🎭 Epictetus criticizes those who hastily assume the guise of philosophers based on externals, such as **wearing a rough cloak and long hair**, rather than **understanding and practicing philosophical principles**.
* 💬 He advises not to praise or blame a person for external actions, but to judge based on the **underlying moral judgments**.
* 🏆 The true function of a philosopher, according to Epictetus, is to **maintain a correct moral purpose**, regardless of external circumstances.
* 🌱 He warns against **premature displays of philosophy**, likening it to seeds growing too quickly and being exposed to frost.

### The Importance of Attention and Cleanliness in Stoicism
* 🧠 "When you relax your attention for a little while, do not imagine that **whenever you choose you will recover it**."
* 🛁 "Since the gods are **pure and undefiled**, as men approach them by virtue of reason, they are attached to **purity and cleanliness**."
* 🧠 "Paying attention is crucial, as a habit of **not paying attention** is developed, leading to **worse attention for everything else**."
* 🛁 "It is impossible for the nature of men to be altogether pure, so the soul's prime and highest purity is in having the **proper kind of judgments**."
* 🧠 "No man is master of another's moral purpose, and in its sphere alone are to be found **one's good and evil**."
* 🛁 "What is it possible to be free from fault altogether? No, but it is possible ever to be **intent upon avoiding faults**."
* 🧠 "Confidences require faithful judgments, and where can one readily find these things nowadays?"

The Discourses of Epictetus - Book 4 - (My Narration & Notes)

I record audiobooks, mostly on Stoicism. All my work is my own and I maintain the copyright to it. If you wish to use any clips of them for some creative purpose just drop me a message.
You can buy my recordings on Audible: https://geni.us/VoxStoicaOnAudible
I live in London, UK

Vox Stoica

The Concept of Freedom According to Epictetus

Epictetus defines freedom as living without compulsion, unhindered, and unrestrained in desires.

He argues that even those in high positions or with noble ancestry can still be slaves to their own passions.

Epictetus uses the example of animals in captivity to illustrate that true freedom is the ability to escape from restraint, even if it means dying.

The text discusses the different forms of slavery that people experience, from physical to emotional and social slavery.

It highlights how the pursuit of wealth, power, and social status does not lead to true freedom and happiness.

The passage emphasizes the importance of internal freedom from compulsion and unhappiness, regardless of external circumstances.

The Importance of Recognizing What is Under Your Control

We are all subject to various masters, including circumstances and people who control the things we desire.

The key to being free from hindrance and restraint is to recognize what is truly under our own exclusive control.

The ability to distinguish between what is and isn't our own, what is and isn't under our control, is crucial for living a life free from fear and focused on what truly matters.

Stoicism teaches to accept what is within our control and let go of the rest, in order to achieve inner peace.

By aligning our will with God's and focusing on moral choices, we can free ourselves from fear and external disturbances.

The philosophy encourages gratitude for what we have been given, and a willingness to let go when it's time to depart, ultimately finding contentment in simply being a spectator of life.

Finding Freedom and Contentment in Stoic Philosophy

Stoic philosophy teaches to be grateful and content with what is in our control, and to let go of what is not.

The key to freedom is accepting external events with a noble spirit, finding profit and advantage in every experience.

The philosophy emphasizes that the unhampered man, who desires only what is in his control, is truly free, while those who passionately desire external things are slaves to them.

The key to freedom is to focus on what is truly within our control, rather than external possessions or circumstances.

True freedom comes from within, by letting go of the desire for things that are not essential to our core being.

The story of Diogenes illustrates that true freedom is not determined by external status or possessions, but by the liberation of the mind from the grip of external forces.

Socrates believed in fulfilling his duty to his country above all else, even at the cost of his own life.

He prioritized honor and right conduct over saving himself, setting an example of noble sacrifice.

Socrates' teachings emphasized the importance of destroying one's desires and acquiring judgment to achieve true freedom, advocating for devotion to philosophy.

Choosing Personal Growth Over External Validation

It is important to choose personal growth over seeking the same affection from others, as progress is hindered by trying to please everyone.

The value of self-respect, constancy, and freedom should not be sacrificed for the approval of others.

Guarding one's own good and being content with what is given, while striving for personal development, is crucial for a life of serenity.

Self-Reflection and Improvement in Stoic Philosophy

Self-reflection is essential for personal growth and avoiding repetitive mistakes.

The focus should be on applying learned principles to actions rather than just acquiring knowledge.

Embracing different circumstances and using them for self-improvement is crucial, whether in solitude or in a crowd.

Strive to eliminate desires and focus only on what is within your control, in order to achieve tranquility and freedom from turmoil.

By dedicating yourself to what is truly your own and free from external hindrances, you can find true inner peace.

The good and excellent person does not engage in contention, but instead seeks harmony with nature and accepts whatever comes their way, thus avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Stoic Philosophy on Dealing with Adversity

Being grateful for not being harmed by others is not enough, as the Stoics argue that it's a person's own judgment that truly affects them.

The only thing that can truly hurt or help a person is their own judgment, not external events.

The Stoics believe that focusing on developing a strong moral character is the key to finding peace and security, rather than relying on external, perishable things.

Socrates' Philosophy on Life and Self-Persuasion

Socrates believed in focusing on moral purpose and not letting others' opinions affect him.

He argued that trying to impress others with material possessions is futile and that true persuasion comes from convincing oneself.

Socrates emphasized the importance of self-examination and self-improvement, rather than seeking validation from others.

The speaker reflects on how others' opinions of him affect his life, realizing he should not be concerned with their pity or opinions.

He questions why he is not satisfied with himself and why he seeks the approval of others.

The text discusses how to overcome fear and judgment by focusing on living according to one's own values.

Finding Freedom and Serenity in Stoic Philosophy

Stoic philosophy teaches that true freedom comes from focusing on what is within our control, rather than external circumstances.

By prioritizing the moral purpose and understanding the natural order of the universe, one can achieve a sense of serenity and contentment.

The philosophy encourages individuals to detach themselves from the pursuit of material things and external validation, finding value in internal virtues instead.

Questioning the Tyrant and Embracing Philosophy

A philosopher questions why he should admire or fear a tyrant, refusing to imitate the tyrant's character.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own governing principle and devoting attention to internal matters.

The philosopher criticizes the hasty assumption of the guise of philosophers based on externals, emphasizing the need to judge based on correct principles and behavior.

Philosophers should be judged by their behavior and principles, not by their outward appearance.

The true function of a philosopher is to live a virtuous life and set an example of serenity and happiness.

It is not about proclaiming one's tranquility, but about demonstrating it through actions and offering remedies to others.

The Importance of Patience and Self-Respect

Prematurely seeking recognition and success will lead to ultimate failure, like a plant blossoming before it's ready.

One should focus on developing self-respect and inner strength rather than craving external validation.

The key to personal growth lies in condemning one's own negative actions and striving for self-improvement through patience and self-control.

Men should focus on the things within their control and not worry about external factors.

It is important to prioritize the true business that lies within one's own realm.

By concentrating on self-improvement and the formation of judgments, one can achieve a state of calm and gratitude, leading to a superior way of life.

On Cleanliness and Purity of the Soul and Body

Cleanliness is seen as a distinctive human trait, derived from the gods, and is linked to the purity of the soul.

The impurity of the soul is attributed to bad judgments, and its purification involves making the right decisions.

Nature has provided means for the body to stay clean, and proper hygiene is emphasized as essential to behaving like a human being.

Importance of Personal Hygiene and Appearance in Philosophy

Personal hygiene and appearance are emphasized in philosophy to show respect for oneself and others.

Philosophers like Socrates and Diogenes were admired not only for their wisdom but also for their cleanliness and pleasant appearance.

The focus on inner beauty and reason is highlighted as more important than external appearance, but basic cleanliness is still valued.

Maintaining attention is crucial for a successful and fulfilling life, as it affects every aspect of our daily activities and responsibilities.

The ability to prioritize and focus on the present moment is key to avoiding errors and accomplishing tasks effectively.

By constantly striving to maintain attention and not deferring it, it is possible to minimize faults and lead a more intentional life.

The Importance of Trust and Faithfulness in Sharing Personal Affairs

Men often expect others to share their own private affairs after they have divulged their own, believing it creates a sense of trust.

However, trust should be based on faithful and respectful judgments, not just on sharing personal information.

A person's faithfulness and respectfulness should be demonstrated through their actions and character, rather than just by sharing their own affairs.