Chapter XLII
by Epictetus • Book 41
This chapter helps you let go of personal offense when others wrong you by recognizing their actions stem from their own misguided perceptions. It guides you to respond with grace and compassion rather than retaliation.
“When any person does ill by you, or speaks ill of you, remember that he acts or speaks from an impression that it is right for him to do so.”
Related Remedies for Anger
See allHIS FIRST BOOK
This chapter helps you neutralize bitterness and frustration toward difficult people by directing your attention toward gratitude and the virtues of mentors and companions. By recognizing that we are born to work together rather than clash in opposition, you can protect your inner peace and respond to daily offenses with equanimity.
THE SIXTH BOOK
This chapter helps you regain inner composure when the slights, hostility, and frustrating behaviors of others threaten to disrupt your peace. It encourages you to step back from reactionary bitterness, reminding you that your greatest strength lies in refusing to mirror the harm done to you.