Single Idea 23332

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 2. Sources of Free Will]

Full Idea

Zeus placed my good nature in my own power, and gave it to me as he has it himself, free from all hindrance, compulsion and restraint.

Gist of Idea

Zeus gave me a nature which is free (like himself) from all compulsion

Source

Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 3.03.10)

Book Reference

Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.157


A Reaction

Although Frede traces the origin of free will to the centrality of choice in moral life (and hence to the elevation of its importance), this remark shows that there is a religious aspect to it. Zeus is supreme, and obviously has free will.