💀 Dying Every Day
Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year) is a podcast by the Perennial Leader Project. Each episode turns a selected passage from Stoic philosophy into a guided meditation designed to help you (and me) learn how to live.
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Epictetus on playing your part
Welcome back to Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year). This is Day 105.
How can we remain grounded amid a world that pulls us in many directions? Epictetus provides a clear solution: focus on what is genuinely yours and act based on that understanding.
In Discourses (4.1), he writes:
It is necessary first of all, then, to keep these principles at hand, and to do nothing without them… pursue nothing external, and nothing that is not our own, but rather… pursue without reservation things that lie within the sphere of choice, and all the rest only in so far as it is granted to us. And next, we must remember who we are, and what name we bear, and strive to direct our appropriate actions according to the demands of our social relationships…
This is the Stoic path in two movements: first, master yourself; then, serve your role in the world. You begin by focusing on what lies within your control—your judgments, intentions, and actions. Everything else—status, outcomes, other people’s opinions—is not. Forget this, and you’re ruled by chance. Remember it, and you reclaim your power.
But the second movement is just as important: you are not an isolated individual but a person with relationships, responsibilities, and a role to play. “Remember who you are,” says Epictetus. Are you a parent, a leader, a friend, or a student?
Each role carries duties and responsibilities. Wisdom isn’t isolation—it’s participating fully in the life you’ve been given.
Epictetus also shares insights on timing: recognizing when to speak and when to stay silent, when to take action and when to pause. Whether it’s with your family, at work, or in your community, remember that your actions have an impact beyond yourself—your choices send ripples outward.
Stoicism encourages us to live mindfully and virtuously, being aware of the present moment and the people around us.
Epictetus continues (quoting the Greek philosopher Chrysippus),
Just as the foot is made for a certain role in the body, so each person has a part to play in the cosmos. What matters is not the outcome but how well we fulfill our role.
In a world of constant comparison and change, it’s easy to lose sight of this. We chase what isn’t ours. We try to fix what isn’t our role. Epictetus reminds us to focus on our own choices. To play our part.
We don’t control the stage; we only control how we show up on it. And wisdom lies in knowing our role and playing it to the best of our ability—no matter how small the part or how brief the scene.
Reflection Prompt
Consider reflecting or journaling on how you think about playing your part in the world. You might ask yourself, “What role am I being called to live well today?” And/or “Where am I spending energy on things that aren’t truly my role to play?”
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Thank you for reading/listening; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well.
J.W.
P.S. Feel free to catch up on the previous episodes of “Dying Every Day” below:
Hey Enda! I'd love to have you write a guest post and/or connect for a podcast chat.
Would love to write one of these reflections!