Single Idea 23338

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 4. For Free Will]

Full Idea

What are you saying, man? Fetter me? You will fetter my leg; but not even Zeus himself can get the better of my choice.

Gist of Idea

You can fetter my leg, but not even Zeus can control my power of choice

Source

Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 1.01.23)

Book Reference

Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.7


A Reaction

This seems to be the beginning of the idea of 'absolute' freedom, which is conjured up to preserve perfect inegrity and complete responsibility. Obviously you can be prevented from doing what you choose, so this is not compatibilism.

Related Idea

Idea 23342 Freedom is acting by choice, with no constraint possible [Epictetus]