Deck 23: The Enchiridion Excerpts

Question 1

Epictetus recommends that we concern ourselves

A) only with what is within our control
B) with others' opinions of us
C) with the health of the body but not of the soul
D) the pursuit of wealth and other useful resources

Answer 1

only with what is within our control

Question 2

Epictetus believes that fearing death

A) encourages us to take full advantage of life
B) is not reasonable
C) stems from the unreasonable belief that death is terrible (d)
D) (b) and (c)

Answer 2

(b) and (c)

Question 3

According to Epictetus, we should hope that we and our loved ones prove immortal.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Which of the following does Epictetus counsel as a way to deal with life's misfortunes?

A) to cling to our loved ones and possessions
B) to remind ourselves of death and mortality on a daily basis
C) to pray to the gods for better times
D) to display our anguished emotions to others

Question 5

Epictetus states: "Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well." Is this a defensible philosophy of life? What reasons, if any, are there to reject it?

Question 6

What attitudes does Epictetus endorse regarding our relationships to our friends, family, and loved ones? Are these attitudes reasonable, or are they (as some critics contend) aloof, cruel, or unrealistic?