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Discourses · Fragment 14
Epictetus · Fragments

Fragment 14

From the Memorabilia of Epictetus

1

... bring forward the ill-natured21 philosophers, who think that pleasure is not something natural, but a sequel of things that are natural, as justice, self-control, and freedom. Why indeed, then, does the soul take delight in the lesser goods of the body, and enjoy calm therein, as Epicurus says,22 and yet not find pleasure in its own goods, which are very great? Verily nature has also given me a sense of shame, and frequently I blush, when I feel that I am saying something disgraceful. It is this emotion which does not allow me to lay down pleasure as the good and end of life.

Epictetus, Discourses, Fragment 14, translated by W. A. Oldfather (1925–1928). The Stoic Library.