“A podium and a prison is each a place, one high and the other low, but in either place your freedom of choice can be maintained if you so wish.”
- Epictetus, Discourses, 2.6.25
January 19, 2021 7:00 AM
What a great reflection in regard to what is often the roller coaster of life. Our social and economic status at birth can influence the ease or difficulty of our life.
We learn in today's lesson that we have not direct control on our powers or misfortune, but we can decide to focus on what is within our control. The seasons of life we go through can have waves of highs that come crashing down only to swell up once again. While we may feel helpless, we always have freedom of choice.
Conclusion
When we realize the power that our freedom of choice has, we will have clarity. Whether a wealthy politician or a struggling single parent, our choices matter. What are our choices? How will we evaluate our choices? How will we make the most of our choices? These are the questions that we should evaluate, regardless of our status. How will we answer?