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Full Idea
The injunction of Epictetus is well known, that in commiserating with another for his misfortune, we ought to talk consolingly, but not be moved by pity.
Gist of Idea
Epictetus says we should console others for misfortune, but not be moved by pity
Source
report of Epictetus (The Handbook [Encheiridion] [c.58], §16) by Charles Taylor - Sources of the Self §15.1
Book Ref
Taylor,Charles: 'Sources of the Self' [CUP 1992], p.258
A Reaction
This goes strongly against the grain of the Christian tradition, but strikes me as an appealing attitude (even if I am the sufferer).
| 4022 | Epictetus says we should console others for misfortune, but not be moved by pity [Epictetus, by Taylor,C] |
| 23365 | If someone is weeping, you should sympathise and help, but not share his suffering [Epictetus] |
| 23368 | Perhaps we should persuade culprits that their punishment is just? [Epictetus] |
| 23366 | We see nature's will in the ways all people are the same [Epictetus] |