This section of the Handbook contains a list of miscellaneous sayings of Epictetus, which I’ll comment upon in turn.
Lay down for yourself, at the outset, a certain stamp and type of character, which you are to maintain whether you are by yourself or are meeting with people. And be silent for the most part, or else make only the most necessary remarks, and express these in few words. But rarely, and when occasion requires you to talk, talk, indeed, but about no ordinary topics. Do not talk about gladiators, or horse-races, or athletes, or things to eat or drink—topics that arise on all occasions; but above all, do not talk about people, either blaming, or praising, or comparing them. If, then, you can, by your own conversation bring over that of your companions to what is seemly. But if you happen to be left alone in the presence of strangers, keep silence.
Commentary 1
We should make it our goal in life to have a virtuous character, which is maintained consistently. We should be wary of being diverted from our path by idle chit-chat (which today we’d surely compare to social media). In particular, Epictetus says that his students should generally avoid superficially praising, criticizing or comparing other people. (Although, he obviously thinks that more considered praise of virtue and criticism of vice do have their place, as he does this all the time.)
The goal of Stoicism was “living in agreement with nature”, which means, in part, keeping our thoughts and words consistent with objective reality. Most ordinary conversation involves expressing value judgements about events and other people, though. For the Stoics, the influence of other people in this regard was one of the main explanations for the corruption of our character. They encourage us to inhabit a world of values contrary to nature.
