Epictetus on turning life into practice

Dying Every Day (Day 102)

Girl in Red Dress by William James Glackens (c. 1915-16)

💀 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 turning life into practice

Welcome to another episode of Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year). This is Day 102, and we’re exploring how to turn life into practice.

Have you ever wondered, “What if I can’t handle what’s coming?” That’s a fear most of us have—about health, career, relationships, or the state of the world.

Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher born into slavery, gives us a clear answer: whatever happens, you can handle it—because your power lies not in controlling events, but in how you respond to them.

If you enjoy these meditations and would like to support the project, I’ve created three options: (1) Become a member at $5 a month or $39 for the year; (2) If you need assistance, you can use this 50% discount link; and (3) If you can’t afford it — please accept a complimentary membership.

In Discourses (2.5), he writes:

Doesn’t the future lie outside the sphere of choice? … And doesn’t the nature of the good and the bad lie within the sphere of choice? … Whatever may happen, isn’t it possible for you to make use of it in accordance with nature? Can anyone prevent you from doing so? … Then say no longer to me, ‘How will it come about?’ Because whatever comes about, you’ll be able to put it to good use.

This is one of the most practical teachings in all of Stoicism: you may not control what happens, but you can always choose how to respond. The “good” isn’t in the event—it’s in your response. That’s your true power.

Epictetus calls this your moral will (or intention). It’s the one thing no one can take from you. Use it wisely, and you can turn any moment, even a painful one, into an opportunity for strength or clarity.

When the unexpected occurs, we often ask, “Why this?” or “Why me?” But Epictetus would say: Whatever it is, use it wisely. Don’t wait for ideal conditions to practice philosophy. Every moment is part of your training.

The Stoic view is not about blind acceptance—it’s about conscious engagement. It’s about approaching life with virtue instead of resistance, even when the path is steep.

As the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius put it:

The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.

Whatever the future brings, you can turn it into practice.

Reflection Prompt

Consider taking some time to reflect (or journal) on what practicing philosophy truly means to you. Perhaps ask yourself,

• (1) What part of my life am I resisting that could actually enrich my training?

• (2) How might my life change if I concentrated on my responses instead of the outcomes?

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Thank you for listening; I hope you found something useful.

Until next time, be wise and be well.

J.W.

P.S. I greatly appreciate your time, attention, and support!