Epictetus on Examining Our Opinions Before Chasing External Honors
In his Discourses (Book 3, Chapter 21), the Stoic philosopher Epictetus challenges a man traveling to Rome to litigate for higher rank and possibly a governorship (in one version, of Cnossus in Crete).Epictetus asks pointedly:"You are not content to stay at home with the honors which you already have, but you desire something greater and more conspicuous.
And as now you are sailing to Rome... So when did you ever make a voyage for the purpose of examining your own opinions, and casting them out if you found any that are bad?
Whom have you approached for this purpose? What time have you fixed for it?
Go over the times of your life by yourself..."
This passage cuts to the heart of human restlessness.
We tirelessly pursue external validation—positions, titles, wealth, fame—yet rarely pause for the far more vital journey: inward self-examination.
Epictetus reminds us that our discontent stems not from lacking "greater" things, but from unexamined opinions (judgments about what is good, bad, necessary, or impressive).
In Stoicism, true freedom and contentment come from aligning our judgments with reason and nature. False opinions—that higher status equals happiness, or that current honors are insufficient—drive endless chasing.
The "voyage" to Rome is literal, but Epictetus contrasts it with the essential inner voyage: deliberate reflection on our beliefs.
He asks: Have you ever set aside time for this? Consulted a teacher? Reviewed your life stages—childhood, youth, adulthood—to see how opinions formed and whether they hold up?This isn't a one-off trip; it's ongoing work. As he says elsewhere, examining opinions thoroughly isn't quick or easy—it demands commitment.A Timely Reminder in Our Age of AmbitionToday, we chase promotions, followers, luxury—often discontent with what we have, believing "something greater" will satisfy us.
Epictetus would ask: When did you last undertake an inner voyage? Journaled your core beliefs? Meditated on what truly matters? Sought wisdom to discard faulty judgments?Contentment begins at home—with the honors (and blessings) already present—once we clear the distorted opinions obscuring them.
Start small: Set a fixed time daily or weekly for self-examination. Review your reactions to events. Ask: Is this opinion mine to control? Does it serve reason?
The greatest voyage isn't outward—it's inward. As Epictetus teaches, master your judgments, and external pursuits lose their frantic grip.What "opinion" might you examine today?
And as now you are sailing to Rome... So when did you ever make a voyage for the purpose of examining your own opinions, and casting them out if you found any that are bad?
Whom have you approached for this purpose? What time have you fixed for it?
Go over the times of your life by yourself..."
This passage cuts to the heart of human restlessness.
We tirelessly pursue external validation—positions, titles, wealth, fame—yet rarely pause for the far more vital journey: inward self-examination.
Epictetus reminds us that our discontent stems not from lacking "greater" things, but from unexamined opinions (judgments about what is good, bad, necessary, or impressive).
In Stoicism, true freedom and contentment come from aligning our judgments with reason and nature. False opinions—that higher status equals happiness, or that current honors are insufficient—drive endless chasing.
The "voyage" to Rome is literal, but Epictetus contrasts it with the essential inner voyage: deliberate reflection on our beliefs.
He asks: Have you ever set aside time for this? Consulted a teacher? Reviewed your life stages—childhood, youth, adulthood—to see how opinions formed and whether they hold up?This isn't a one-off trip; it's ongoing work. As he says elsewhere, examining opinions thoroughly isn't quick or easy—it demands commitment.A Timely Reminder in Our Age of AmbitionToday, we chase promotions, followers, luxury—often discontent with what we have, believing "something greater" will satisfy us.
Epictetus would ask: When did you last undertake an inner voyage? Journaled your core beliefs? Meditated on what truly matters? Sought wisdom to discard faulty judgments?Contentment begins at home—with the honors (and blessings) already present—once we clear the distorted opinions obscuring them.
Start small: Set a fixed time daily or weekly for self-examination. Review your reactions to events. Ask: Is this opinion mine to control? Does it serve reason?
The greatest voyage isn't outward—it's inward. As Epictetus teaches, master your judgments, and external pursuits lose their frantic grip.What "opinion" might you examine today?