The basis of the entire philosophy of Epicteto It is condensed into just one sentence: «Of the things that exist, some depend on us; others do not depend on us.» According to him, the fundamental human error is trying to control what is foreign and neglecting the sovereignty of one’s own thought.
In the group of things that depend on the individual are opinion, intention, desire and rejection. Epicteto maintains that These faculties are free by naturesince no one can force a person to think something they do not want to.
On the contrary, what does not depend on us includes the body, wealth, reputation and public offices. The philosopher warns that, if what is someone else’s is taken as one’s own, the person will suffer constant impediments and disturbances.
The structure of this profound idea forces remove the emotional charge from external results to deposit it only in the excellence of the intention.
How Stoic philosophy impacted contemporary psychology
Modern science has validated these concepts through Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, which uses the structure of Epicteto to treat anxiety disorders. This technique teaches that irrational beliefs about absolute control are the basis of many current pathologies. By adopting an objective view of reality, the subject drastically reduces their stress levels.
Various academic studies carried out by mental health institutions indicate that The practice of selective attention to one’s own actions improves productivity. Instead of reacting impulsively to economic or social crises, the individual trained in Stoicism evaluates what practical steps he or she can take.
Virtue, for this school of thought, consists of maintaining internal harmony despite external turbulence. Epicteto proposes that the wise person is not one who lacks feelings, but rather one who does not allow his emotions to be dictated by factors that he cannot govern. He self-control It thus becomes the maximum expression of human freedom in the face of destiny.
Finally, the integration of these ideas into professional and personal life fosters a very strong ethic of individual responsibility. By stopping blaming luck or the environment Due to one’s own discomfort, one assumes a leading role in the construction of serenity. The relevance of Epicteto It remains valid as an instruction manual for navigating the complexity of modernity.
