Single Idea 23339

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

When the time comes, then I will die - as becomes a person who gives back what is not his own.

Gist of Idea

I will die as becomes a person returning what he does not own

Source

Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 1.01.32)

Book Reference

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


A Reaction

There is a tension between his demand that he have full control of his choices, and this humility that says his actual life is not his own. The things which can't be controlled, though, are 'indifferents' so life and death are indifferent.

Related Idea

Idea 13338 '"It is snowing" is true if and only if it is snowing' is a partial definition of the concept of truth [Tarski]