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The Art of Living

The Discipline of Desire

Massimo Pigliucci helps us to know our limits.

“Of all existing things some are up to us, and others are not up to us. Up to us are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not up to us include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing” (Epictetus, Enchiridion, 1). Thus begins one of the most famous pieces of practical advice from ancient philosophy, which I will try to put into practice in this very column.

First, a quick refresher.

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