“Keep in mind that it isn’t the one who has it in for you and takes a swipe that harms you, but rather the harm comes from your own belief about the abuse. So when someone arouses your anger, know that it’s really your own opinion fueling it. Instead, make it your first response not to be carried away by such impressions, for with time and distance self-mastery is more easily achieved.”
—EPICTETUS, ENCHIRIDION, 20
The Stoics suggest that events can only be labeled as “good” or “bad” in relation to our participation, context, and categorization. Our reactions to such events determine whether or not harm has been done, and our reactions can change depending on our current situation. Therefore, the Stoics suggest that we do not label events as “good” or “bad” and instead choose not to react.
