Simple Classics

Section 5

Section 5: Events and Judgments explained simply

Enchiridion by Epictetus

Original excerpt

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Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things; for example, death is nothing terrible, for if it were it would have seemed so to Socrates; for the opinion about death that it is terrible, is the terrible thing.
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V. Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things; for example, death is nothing terrible, for if it were it would have seemed so to Socrates; for the opinion about death that it is terrible, is the terrible thing. When then we are impeded, or disturbed, or grieved, let us never blame others, but ourselves—that is, our opinions. It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition; it is the act of one who has begun to be instructed, to lay the blame on himself; and of one whose instruction is completed, neither to blame another, nor himself.

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Simple English explanation

Epictetus uses this section to teach events and judgments. 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 5 of the Enchiridion focuses on events and judgments. 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 events and judgments 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 events and judgments in modern life.

For kids

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