Section 20

Section 20: Insults Depend on Judgment explained simply

Enchiridion by Epictetus

Original excerpt

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Remember that it is not he who reviles you or strikes you, who insults you, but it is your opinion about these things as being insulting.

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XX. Remember that it is not he who reviles you or strikes you, who insults you, but it is your opinion about these things as being insulting. When then a man irritates you, you must know that it is your own opinion which has irritated you. Therefore especially try not to be carried away by the appearance. For if you once gain time and delay, you will more easily master yourself.

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Simple English explanation

Epictetus uses this section to teach insults depend on judgment. 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 20 of the Enchiridion focuses on insults depend on judgment. 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 insults depend on judgment 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 insults depend on judgment in modern life.

For kids

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