Principle 38 · from the Enchiridion
Guard your judgment
Your ability to judge needs care too. Before speaking or acting on an impulse, check what you know and what your choice may affect.
Source passage (English)
The passage is shown in English. The explanation and example below are modern interpretations for this site.
When walking, you are careful not to step on a nail or turn your foot; so likewise be careful not to hurt the ruling faculty of your mind. And, if we were to guard against this in every action, we should undertake the action with the greater safety.
What this means
We are usually quick to protect the body from obvious danger. Strangely, Epictetus says, we often let anger, envy, or impulsive judgment take over the mind without much resistance.
The "ruling faculty" is our ability to reason and choose. It is the part that needs protecting because success elsewhere becomes unreliable when our judgment is in a mess.
The practice belongs in everyday decisions. Before speaking, posting, buying, or making a promise, check whether the choice comes from clear judgment or a passing impulse.
Guarding judgment means keeping a chance to check it. Notice when urgency or fatigue makes an assumption feel certain, then ask whether the decision can wait or needs another perspective. Having an emotion is not itself a failure of reason. What needs examining is the conclusion you are about to act on.
An everyday example
After a stressful day, you scroll content that fuels outrage and comparison. You notice your mind becoming reactive and bitter.
Treat this as something that affects your mind, not as harmless entertainment. Set a limit, step away, and stop feeding the reaction simply because the next post is already waiting.
Reflection Question
Which habit leaves your mind the most clouded? What small boundary could you set today?