Principle 32 · from the Enchiridion
Let reason guide you
Advice can inform a difficult decision without guaranteeing its outcome. Use the facts available and consider your responsibilities before choosing.
Source passage (English)
The passage is shown in English. The explanation and example below are modern interpretations for this site.
When you have recourse to divination, remember that you know not what the event will be, and you come to learn it of the diviner; but of what nature it is you know before you come, at least if you are a philosopher. For if it is among the things not in our own control, it can by no means be either good or evil. Don't, therefore, bring either desire or aversion with you to the diviner (else you will approach him trembling), but first acquire a distinct knowledge that every event is indifferent and nothing to you, of whatever sort it may be, for it will be in your power to make a right use of it, and this no one can hinder; then come with confidence to the gods, as your counselors, and afterwards, when any counsel is given you, remember what counselors you have assumed, and whose advice you will neglect if you disobey. Come to divination, as Socrates prescribed, in cases of which the whole consideration relates to the event, and in which no opportunities are afforded by reason, or any other art, to discover the thing proposed to be learned. When, therefore, it is our duty to share the danger of a friend or of our country, we ought not to consult the oracle whether we will share it with them or not. For, though the diviner should forewarn you that the victims are unfavorable, this means no more than that either death or mutilation or exile is portended. But we have reason within us, and it directs, even with these hazards, to the greater diviner, the Pythian god, who cast out of the temple the person who gave no assistance to his friend while another was murdering him.
What this means
Epictetus uses divination to talk about uncertainty. It is easy to look for predictions because we want to feel safe before making a decision, even though the outcome still is not ours to guarantee.
Before asking for guidance, he says, settle the desire for one particular result and the fear of another. Otherwise, we may be asking for reassurance rather than advice.
Advice is welcome, but responsibility cannot be handed over forever. Some duties are already clear enough for us to act even when the result is uncertain.
Separate missing information from a wish to feel completely certain. Facts or qualified advice may clarify a real gap; another opinion may add little if the uncertainty is about an unknowable outcome. Decide what you still need to check and when a decision is due, while leaving room to revise it if circumstances change.
An everyday example
You ask person after person what to do about a difficult decision. Instead of becoming clearer, you become more anxious.
Work out what is under your control, what responsibility you have, and what facts are still missing. Then accept that no amount of advice can remove every risk and make the choice yourself.
Reflection Question
Which decision have you asked too many people to make for you? What information is still missing, and when will you need to choose?