Epictetus on How Adherence to Judaism Leads to True Freedom (Epictetus: Discourses 4:4)

Synopsis: I decided to record at least one episode commenting on the overlap between the Stoic and Jewish views on “true freedom.” We begin with an excerpt from Epictetus’s Discourses in which he addresses the complaint of the student who is interrupted in his studies by life’s obligations. We then read the Abravanel’s commentary on Chazal’s statement, “the only one who is free is someone who is involved in Torah,” and explain how this reflects the same takeaway message as Epictetus – albeit within the Torah’s value system.
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Epictetus – Discourses 4:4 – To those who are desirous of passing life in tranquility
Remember that not only the desire of power and of riches makes us mean and subject to others, but even the desire of tranquility, and of leisure, and of traveling abroad, and of learning. For, to speak plainly, whatever the external thing may be, the value which we set upon it places us in subjection to others. What, then, is the difference between desiring to be a senator or not desiring to be one; what is the difference between desiring power or being content with a private station; what is the difference between saying, "I am unhappy, I have nothing, to do, but I am bound to my books as a corpse" or saying, "I am unhappy, I have no leisure for reading"? For as salutations and power are things external and independent of the will, so is a book. For what purpose do you choose to read? Tell me. For if you only direct your purpose to being amused or learning something, you are a silly fellow and incapable of enduring labor. But if you refer reading to the proper end, what else is this than a tranquil and happy life? But if reading does not secure for you a happy and tranquil life, what is the use of it? “But it does secure this," the man replies, "and for this reason I am vexed that I am deprived of it." And what is this tranquil and happy life, which any man can impede? I do not say Caesar or Caesar's friend, but a crow, a piper, a fever, and thirty thousand other things! But a tranquil and happy life contains nothing so sure as continuity and freedom from obstacle.
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Sources:
- Epictetus, Discourses 4:4
- Avos 6:2
- Abravanel, Nachalas Avos 6:2
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If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.
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Stoic texts:
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Letters from a Stoic Master (Seneca)
The Discourses of Epictetus
The Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus
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