Section 9

Section 9: Body and Will explained simply

Enchiridion by Epictetus

Original excerpt

Excerpt preview

Disease is an impediment to the body, but not to the will, unless the will itself chooses. Lameness is an impediment to the leg, but not to the will. And add this reflection on the occasion of everything that happens; for you will find it an impediment to something else, but not to yourself.

Read full original text in reading mode

Public-domain original

IX. Disease is an impediment to the body, but not to the will, unless the will itself chooses. Lameness is an impediment to the leg, but not to the will. And add this reflection on the occasion of everything that happens; for you will find it an impediment to something else, but not to yourself.

Public-domain original text shown for study context.

Simple English explanation

Epictetus uses this section to teach body and will. 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 9 of the Enchiridion focuses on body and will. 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 body and will 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 body and will in modern life.

For kids

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