What do I care whether matter is made up of atoms, indivisibles, or fire and earth? Isn’t it enough to know the nature of good and evil, the limits of desire and aversion, and of choice and refusal, and to use these as virtual guidelines for how to live? Questions beyond our ken we should ignore, since the human mind may be unable to grasp them. However easily one assumes they can be understood, what’s to be gained by understanding them in any case? It must be said, I think, that those who make such matters an essential part of a philosopher’s knowledge are creating unwanted difficulties.
And what of the commandment at Delphi, to ‘know yourself’ – is that redundant too? No, not that, certainly. Well, what does it mean? If someone said to a chorus member ‘Know yourself,’ the command would mean that he should give attention to the other chorus members and their collective harmony. Similarly with a soldier or sailor. So do you infer that man is an animal created to live on his own, or in a community?
‘A community.’
Created by whom?
‘By nature.’
What nature is and how it governs everything, whether it is knowable or not – are these additional questions superfluous?
Fragments 1.1
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the focus on what is essential for living well. As Epictetus notes, "Isn't it enough to know the nature of good and evil, the limits of desire and aversion, and of choice and refusal, and to use these as virtual guidelines for how to live?" ([Fragments 1.1]). This reveals that living well is not about understanding complex, abstract concepts, but rather about understanding what is good and evil, and making choices accordingly.
This passage suggests that one should prioritize understanding themselves and their place in the community, rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary questions. The commandment to "know yourself" is not about individualism, but about understanding one's role in the larger community, as Epictetus notes, "If someone said to a chorus member 'Know yourself,' the command would mean that he should give attention to the other chorus members and their collective harmony" ([Fragments 1.1]).
To apply this insight today, one might ask themselves: What are my values and priorities? Am I focusing on what is truly important for living well, or am I getting distracted by unnecessary concerns? How can I cultivate a sense of community and harmony with those around me? By reflecting on these questions, one can gain a deeper understanding of how to live in accordance with nature and prioritize what is truly essential for a good life.
As you go about your day, consider how you can apply the principle of focusing on what is essential for living well. What choices can you make that align with your values and priorities, and how can you cultivate a sense of community and harmony with those around you?
