“We control our reasoned choice and all acts that depend on that moral will. What's not under our control are the body and any of its parts, our possessions, parents, siblings, children, or country – anything with which we might associate.”
- Epictetus, Discourses 1.22.10
January 13, 2021 12:23 AM
Happy Birthday Dayton!
Knowing what is inside our circle of control (and what is outside it) is what makes us wise. For someone new to Stoicism, this might feel like a daunting task. The reality is that we only need to control one thing… OUR MIND.
The thought that our bodies are not in our circle might not seem correct. We eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get all the rest we need to stay fit. Disease and illness don't always follow the rules and afflict us the same. Wealthy or poor, young or old, famous or anonymous, we can all be burdened the same.
Conclusion
While our circle of control might seem limited, we can take heart in the simplicity. Our list of responsibilities is only one item long. Our circle of control is simple: our choices, our will, and our mind.