Desire and Aversion
Principle 2 from the Enchiridion
Epictetus warns that desire and aversion can easily make our lives miserable if they are directed at the wrong things.
Original Passage
Remember that following desire promises the attainment of that of which you are desirous; and aversion promises the avoiding that to which you are averse. However, he who fails to obtain the object of his desire is disappointed, and he who incurs the object of his aversion wretched.
If, then, you confine your aversion to those objects only which are contrary to the natural use of your faculties, which you have in your own control, you will never incur anything to which you are averse. But if you are averse to sickness, or death, or poverty, you will be wretched.
Remove aversion, then, from all things that are not in our control, and transfer it to things contrary to the nature of what is in our control. But, for the present, totally suppress desire: for, if you desire any of the things which are not in your own control, you must necessarily be disappointed; and of those which are, and which it would be laudable to desire, nothing is yet in your possession.
Use only the appropriate actions of pursuit and avoidance; and even these lightly, and with gentleness and reservation.
Modern Interpretation
Epictetus warns that desire and aversion can easily make our lives miserable if they are directed at the wrong things. When we strongly desire something that is outside our control — such as wealth, reputation, or success — we place our happiness in the hands of circumstances we cannot command.
The same applies to aversion. If we fear or strongly resist things like illness, poverty, or death, we become constantly anxious about events that may or may not happen.
Stoicism teaches that our desires and aversions should be directed only toward what lies within our control: our character, our choices, and our actions. By doing this, we protect ourselves from unnecessary disappointment and distress.
In Practice Today
Imagine someone who strongly desires recognition at work. They want praise, promotion, and approval from their manager. Even if they work hard, these outcomes are not entirely within their control.
If the promotion does not come, they feel frustrated or resentful.
A Stoic approach would shift the focus away from the outcome. Instead of desiring recognition, the person focuses on doing their work well, acting with integrity, and improving their skills. These things are within their control.
By adjusting desire in this way, the person becomes less dependent on external results and more grounded in their own effort.
Reflection Question
What desire or fear in your life right now might actually be tied to something outside your control?