The Handbook of Epictetus
Handbook 12.2
Translated by Clint Miller
Start, then, with small things. A little oil gets spilled, a little wine gets stolen. Say to yourself: “This is the price of equanimity; this is the price of tranquility.” Nothing comes free. When you call your slave, keep in mind that he may not answer – and if he does answer, he may do nothing you want. But he is not so well placed that your peace of mind should depend on him.
ἄρξαι τοιγαροῦν ἀπὸ τῶν σμικρῶν. ἐκχεῖται τὸ ἐλάδιον, κλέπτεται τὸ οἰνάριον· ἐπίλεγε ὅτι «τοσούτου πωλεῖται ἀπάθεια, τοσούτου ἀταραξία·» προῖκα δὲ οὐδὲν περιγίνεται. ὅταν δὲ καλῇς τὸν παῖδα, ἐνθυμοῦ, ὅτι δύναται μὴ ὑπακοῦσαι καὶ ὑπακούσας μηδὲν ποιῆσαι ὧν θέλεις· ἀλλ’ οὐχ οὕτως ἐστὶν αὐτῷ καλῶς, ἵνα ἐπ’ ἐκείνῳ ᾖ τὸ σὲ μὴ ταραχθῆναι.