Section 19

Section 19: Want Nothing from Others explained simply

Enchiridion by Epictetus

Original excerpt

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You can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer.

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XIX. You can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer. Take care then when you observe a man honored before others or possessed of great power or highly esteemed for any reason, not to suppose him happy, and be not carried away by the appearance. For if the nature of the good is in our power, neither envy nor jealousy will have a place in us. But you yourself will not wish to be a general or senator ([Greek: prutanis]) or consul, but a free man: and there is only one way to this, to despise (care not for) the things which are not in our power.

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Simple English explanation

Epictetus uses this section to teach want nothing from others. The practical point is to train judgment before trying to control the world. Freedom begins when a person can tell the difference between their own choices and everything outside their power.

1-minute summary

Section 19 of the Enchiridion focuses on want nothing from others. Epictetus wants readers to practice inner discipline, not just admire Stoic ideas. The lesson is to meet daily life with clearer judgment, fewer false demands, and steadier action.

Key takeaways

Practice want nothing from others in ordinary situations.
Separate your own judgment and action from outside events.
Do not trade character for comfort, status, or approval.
Use philosophy as training, not as decoration.

Modern example

A person facing a stressful message can pause, ask what is actually under their control, and answer from principle instead of panic. That is want nothing from others in modern life.

For kids

You cannot control everything that happens, but you can practice choosing a calm and honest response.