when the call comes you are not left behind (GL56).Epictetus held that, if a person wanted to make progress, that is, move towards the ideal condition for humans,which was embodied by the Stoic sage, then one must behave like a mindless fool(GL57). And since it was not easy to be in tune with nature and at the same time, concern oneself with externals, for then one is bound to neglect either of the two. This view held by Epictetus is opposed to Aristotles, who believed that one canstrive for both things and still succeed. Epictetus believed God to be nature, as can be from the following lines, But, if things ........called Gods(GL58,section 16).This view is similar to that ofSocrates. Epictetus also believes in division of labour and the view that certain people are meant to do certain things. This can be clearly seen from the following lines, Remember that you are an actor in a play......belongs to some one else. (GL59,section 17). This view was similar to that held by Plato. Epictetus also spoke of Appropriate actions, that is, duties, and these actions are also in accord with nature (GL63). Epictetus also spoke of faculty of choice, that is, the rational part of the soul, and, ruling principle, that is, that part of the soul that can understand the good . He felt that individuals must concern themselves with the state of this ruling part and ignore the external state of affairs, such as feelings and desires.Well I agree to a certain extent to what Epictetus is trying to say , but I feel since these men (most philosophers from Socrates to Aristotle) lived a long time ago , and the world has changed greatly. There have been massive advances in science, technology and industry. So most of their thinking seems awkward to people in modern times ( at least it is to me!). But there are of course a lot of things that are still relevant. For example , there were many sections that interested me and I feel that they are relevant and also in...
