Full Idea
The essence of the good is a certain disposition of our choice, and essence of evil likewise.
Gist of Idea
The essences of good and evil are in dispositions to choose
Source
Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 1.29.01)
Book Reference
Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.65
A Reaction
This is the origin of Kant's famous view, that the only true good is a good will. This is the alternative to good character or good states of affairs as the good. It points towards the modern more legalistic view of morality, as concerning actions.
Related Idea
Idea 3710 The only purely good thing is a good will [Kant]