Τῶν ὄντων τὰ μέν ἐστιν ἐφ᾽ ἡμῖν, τὰ δὲ οὐκ ἐφ᾽ ἡμῖν.
In our power are opinion, movement toward a thing, desire, aversion — whatever are our own acts. Not in our power are the body, property, reputation, office.
Epictetus · Enchiridion 1 · trans. George Long
An impression, examined · the third field
You say he told you your work was worthless. That is two things, and you have folded them into one. Words were spoken — that is the event. Worthless, harmed, diminished — that is the verdict you added. Epictetus asks only for the seam between them. Find it, and see which half was ever yours.
On the ground of Enchiridion 5 — men are disturbed not by things, but by their opinions about things.
Now bring one of your own. What appeared to you today?
Bring an impressionBring an impression
