Section 32

Section 32: Use Guidance Without Surrendering Choice explained simply

Enchiridion by Epictetus

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When you have recourse to divination, remember that you do not know how it will turn out, but that you are come to inquire from the diviner.
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XXXII. When you have recourse to divination, remember that you do not know how it will turn out, but that you are come to inquire from the diviner. But of what kind it is, you know when you come, if indeed you are a philosopher. For if it is any of the things which are not in our power, it is absolutely necessary that it must be neither good nor bad. Do not then bring to the diviner desire or aversion ([Greek: echchlinein]): if you do, you will approach him with fear. But having determined in your mind that everything which shall turn out (result) is indifferent, and does not concern you, and whatever it may be, for it will be in your power to use it well, and no man will hinder this, come then with confidence to the gods as your advisers. And then when any advice shall have been given, remember whom you have taken as advisers, and whom you will have neglected, if you do not obey them. And go to divination, as Socrates said that you ought, about those matters in which all the inquiry has reference to the result, and in which means are not given either by reason nor by any other art for knowing the thing which is the subject of the inquiry. Wherefore when we ought to share a friend’s danger, or that of our country, you must not consult the diviner whether you ought to share it. For even if the diviner shall tell you that the signs of the victims are unlucky, it is plain that this is a token of death, or mutilation of part of the body, or of exile. But reason prevails, that even with these risks, we should share the dangers of our friend, and of our country. Therefore attend to the greater diviner, the Pythian god, who ejected from the temple him who did not assist his friend, when he was being murdered.

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Simple English explanation

Epictetus uses this section to teach use guidance without surrendering choice. 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 32 of the Enchiridion focuses on use guidance without surrendering choice. 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 use guidance without surrendering choice 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 use guidance without surrendering choice in modern life.

For kids

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