The Enchiridion of Epictetus - (My Narration & Summary)
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- Опубліковано 27 кві 2024
- This is my own recording of The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus. It's a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus.
Although the content is similar to the Discourses of Epictetus, it is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts. Eschewing metaphysics, Arrian focused his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy in daily life. The primary theme is that one should accept what happens:
(Note to UA-cam: This is my own recording, it is not taken from anywhere else. I retain the copyright)
Enchiridion on Amazon: geni.us/AmazonEnchiridion (affiliate link)
Practical Stoicism on Audible: geni.us/PracticalStoicism
In the US? Listen for free via Hoopla: www.hoopladigital.com/artist/...
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Translated by William Abbot Oldfather
en.wikisource.org/wiki/Epicte...
Prefer listening with music? Try this: • 🔴EPICTETUS & CHILL | L...
Chapter Timings:
Start - 0:00
1 - 0:11
2 - 2:50
3 - 4:09
4 - 4:42
5 - 5:42
6 - 6:36
7 - 7:19
8 - 8:19
9 - 8:34
10 - 9:01
11 - 9:34
12 - 10:17
13 - 11:27
14 - 12:03
15 - 13:11
16 - 14:10
17 - 14:55
18 - 15:31
19 - 16:08
20 - 16:57
21 - 17:30
22 - 17:50
23 - 18:36
24 - 19:02
25 - 22:03
26 - 24:12
27 - 25:08
28 - 25:20
29 - 25:41
30 - 29:38
31 - 30:43
32 - 33:22
33 - 35:27
34 - 40:50
35 - 41:50
36 - 42:17
37 - 42:53
38 - 43:09
39 - 43:31
40 - 44:09
41 - 44:38
42 - 45:04
43 - 45:56
44 - 46:30
45 - 47:09
46 - 47:45
47 - 49:14
48 - 49:54
49 - 51:18
50 - 52:39
51 - 53:02
52 - 54:53
53 - 56:07
#Stoicism #Epictetus #VoxStoica
::Correction on 40, should read: "Beauty is not just skin deep, young women should be taught their true worth lies in their inner virtues like modesty and self respect."::
Enchiridion on Amazon: geni.us/AmazonEnchiridion
My recordings on Audible:
geni.us/VoxStoicaOnAudible
Timings:
1 - 0:11
2 - 2:50
3 - 4:09
4 - 4:42
5 - 5:42
6 - 6:36
7 - 7:19
8 - 8:19
9 - 8:34
10 - 9:01
11 - 9:34
12 - 10:17
13 - 11:27
14 - 12:03
15 - 13:11
16 - 14:10
17 - 14:55
18 - 15:31
19 - 16:08
20 - 16:57
21 - 17:30
22 - 17:50
23 - 18:36
24 - 19:02
25 - 22:03
26 - 24:12
27 - 25:08
28 - 25:20
29 - 25:41
30 - 29:38
31 - 30:43
32 - 33:22
33 - 35:27
34 - 40:50
35 - 41:50
36 - 42:17
37 - 42:53
38 - 43:09
39 - 43:31
40 - 44:09
41 - 44:38
42 - 45:04
43 - 45:56
44 - 46:30
45 - 47:09
46 - 47:45
47 - 49:14
48 - 49:54
49 - 51:18
50 - 52:39
51 - 53:02
52 - 54:53
53 - 56:07
Notes:
1) Some things are under our control and some are not. Focus only on what is under your control.
2) Don’t aim or expect to avoid things outside of your control.
3) Recognise all the things you possess and be mentally prepared to lose them.
4) Have as a goal to remain tranquil. When things go ‘wrong’ you can still succeed in your goal of remaining tranquil by choosing to do so.
5) It is not things that disturb us but our judgements about them. When you are disturbed don’t blame anyone but yourself.
6) Don’t take pride in things not your own.
7) Be prepared for emergencies to occur in life. As you age, take fewer risks.
8) Accept what happens.
9) Your mind is separate to your body. Bodily injuries are not an excuse for poor morals.
10) For every challenge there is a solution, remain calm and decide how best to deal with them as they come.
11) Everything in life is temporary. Be prepared to lose everything eventually.
12) Do not let your peace of mind depend upon externals. With small breakages or troubles, tell yourself they are the price you choose to pay for a peaceful mind.
13) Be content not to control other people’s view of you, and when people praise you, distrust yourself.
14) Do not will that your loved ones live forever, or that other people won’t do wrong. These are out of your control. Only make it your will to do what is in your power.
15) Take what comes to you. Do not fret what does not.
16) It is our judgements of things that make us sad. That said, do not refuse to console someone who has made themselves sad.
17) Play the cards you’re dealt in life. Do not complain about them.
18) You can choose the judgement you place on events.
19) Just because people have more things than you it doesn’t mean they’re happy. The only consistent way to be happy is to stop focusing on externals.
20) If you are offended or irritated it’s because you’ve chosen to be offended or irritated. Delaying your judgement is a good method to avoid this.
21) Memento mori. It keeps things in perspective.
22) People will ridicule you for your principles. Be prepared for this, don’t react to it or act superior. Abiding by your principles is the only way to convince people of their value.
23) Don’t turn to externals to please someone. Living in accordance with your philosophy is the best way to demonstrate the value of it.
24) Do not live life to fulfil the expectations of others and do not sacrifice your principles to putatively aid your friend or country.
25) Be happy of others’ success. They have paid a price somewhere to achieve it, do not expect the same if you have not paid that price…But it’s very likely not to your interest to pay it.
26) We feel terrible when some misfortune befalls us and nothing when it befalls others. Keep that in mind.
27) Evil exists to tempt people.
28) If a stranger was given control over your body you would be vexed. So why voluntarily give them control of your mind by reacting to their opinion of you?
29) Don’t flit about. Consider projects before starting and foresee what difficulties lie ahead, so you are ready for them and don’t end up quitting like a child.
30) Don’t let people’s bad behaviour toward you affect how you treat them.
31) Have faith that what happens is for the best. Focus only on what is in your control.
32) Ask a question only when the answer will affect your decision. If it is your duty to do something, the knowledge that you might suffer injury should not affect your decision to do it.
33) Decide how you wish to behave and be consistent in acting thus. You become like those you associate with so take care who you associate with. When attending public shows, avoid falling into the behaviour of the crowd. Exercise restraint both in food and talk. Don't talk about yourself much, it's not as interesting to other people as it is to you. Don't gossip about people and don't get defensive if people gossip about you. Avoid taking unnecessary oaths. Avoid sex before marriage. Don't be preachy or act superior.
34) Weigh the joy you’ll get from indulging against the damage done from indulging. Consider also the joy you’ll feel after successfully avoiding an indulgement.
35) Don’t fear those who rebuke you wrongly. Have confidence in your actions.
36) Don’t be a glutton. Show respect to your host.
37) Don’t take roles above your ability.
38) Take care of your morality as you do your body.
39) Don’t take more than your body needs.
40) Beauty is not just skin deep. Young women should be taught their true worth lies in their inner virtues like modesty and self respect.
41) Focus on your mind rather than on physical pleasures.
42) Other people don’t see things as you do. They act based upon what they think is right. Remember this and you will be gentler towards them.
43) You choose how to grab hold of things. If your brother mistreats you, you can act as though he is your enemy, but it is better to treat him as your brother.
44) You are more than your possessions.
45) Don’t judge actions before you know their reasons.
46) Live by actions, not talk. Don’t be provoked by laymen discussing a topic you think you know a lot about. Exercise restraint and humility.
47) Don’t show off or seek admiration.
48) The wise man looks for help from within rather than from without.
49) Don’t adopt airs. Just because you can interpret great works doesn’t mean you are living up to them.
50) Keep to your principles like laws. Care more about them than what other people say of you.
51) You have the necessary information to fix yourself, but you keep putting it off. Are you waiting for someone else to do it for you? Decide to make progress and view and overcome challenges like an athlete at the Olympic games.
52) How you actually behave is more valuable than theoretical arguments.
53) Resign yourself to things outside of your control. Que será, será.
Become a Patron: www.subscribestar.com/intpworld or www.patreon.com/RobinHomer
Thanks for the upload and the time marks. I appreciate your effort!
Vox Stoica nice
only women should practice modesty? only women want to be physically desirable? beauty is visual. Virtue is not. We keep trying to change words.
How is the correction on 40 to be understood? Isn't it what it says already?
My favorite way to start every day. Thank You. To some -this is an invaluable tool.
I'm very glad this book was read like the same way meditations was
Recognising the voice, I suppose Robin Homer contributed to the audio of that one as well.
Might give meditations another try, the 1st time it went over my head or I wasn't interested idk what happened jahaha
@@RRNOTHING You might find my summary useful as a starting point. It condenses down the key messages and makes things a little clearer for a first time listen.
ua-cam.com/video/Hu0xDtK3g3Q/v-deo.html
Rolando Rodriguez Sometimes understanding these texts takes repetition and an open mind! Good luck on your philosophical journey.
These texts definitely take many readings. Took me two years to finally understand the Tao The Ching, but once you begin to understand one of them I think they become easier. All wisdom is basically the same. But it can be forgotten if not practiced. There is lots of wisdom in the Bible, but the problem with the Bible is how much mythology is intertwined with it. So much garbage you have to wade through to get to the treasure. The Stroics and the Taoists are the best in opinion for getting straight to the point with as little fluff as possible. The mythology is actually dangerous in my opinion, but we won't get into that here.
Thank you from all of us. His voice speaks to us through the centuries for the hungry heart.
This book opened my mind and gave me a greater sense of inner peace than any other book I’ve read, including Meditations.
The Enchiridion has been for me a more essential Stoic text than any other.
It's a good one. It is itself a summary of Epictetus' lectures, rather like the condensed lecture notes of one of his students. I think this is why it's so digestible.
@@VoxStoica After listening to to this I was blown inside my mind it was as though he was talking to me directly and giving me proper guidance to great sense of Peace.
Since then it is like my daily dose of Stoicism.
For myself I find they go well hand in hand. Enchiridion first, meditations second. Though I believe that all philosophies should be explored with an open mind.
bill Bloggs No, I’m still using an iPhone 5S. I only got THAT after the iPhone.... what, 9? 8? Came out. I was using a flip phone until then. For the longest time I really wasn’t interested in my phone being a handheld computer, and now I only want what’s useful and will fit in my pocket.
I get what you’re trying to say about people though. You seem to have bought the propaganda that if people don’t believe in something supernatural that they HAVE to find “meaning “ in vapid consumerism and buying the latest gizmo, gadget, or product to “fill the void” left by an absence of belief in the supernatural. That’s a false narrative. Propaganda meant to turn people off from an acceptance of scientific materialism, which is not vapid consumerism. Real materialism simply states that if we can explain something using natural mechanisms of action then there’s no need to use a supernatural explanation where a natural one will do. In fact trying to shoehorn in supernatural explanations in these situations is forced, artificial, and lends itself to a false narrative that distracts us from real truth, real fact, and the discovery of new information. I would take it a step further and say that insisting on the use of supernatural explanations, and insisting that there cannot be any natural explanations as if we’re not even allowed to look for natural material explanations, holds us back from obtaining new knowledge and understanding of the universe, and tries to keep us stuck with supernatural explanations that we’re not allowed to question and could very well be made up and false.
In the absence of religion or spirituality, people choose which philosophies make the greatest amount of sense to them. People can find fulfillment and inner peace in philosophy without a belief in God, gods, spirits, ghosts, higher realms of existence, afterlives, fairies, angels, demons, or any other such supernatural assumptions. Nor do we need to be mall rats or depressed nihilists without these supernatural beliefs.
It’s easy. Accept that which you have no power over, focus on what you do have power over (your own thoughts and actions), and inner peace will naturally result. No spirituality or religion needed. No toys, gadgets, clothes, cars, or other material goods needed. “I have no need of that hypothesis.”
@bill Bloggs I hope you find peace.
It is amazing to see how most of these Ancient Stoic thoughts are still valuable and applicable nowadays. Would be amazing to see more content about Modern Stoicism and how this philosophy as excels in today's modern society.
*“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” ―Epictetus*
I want a new tv
@@matrixscape6430aaaand you are poor
@@ApollonasKalamarias i got the tv. I need to finance a new car now.
Nah he's just saying this to make the poor feel better lol who doesn't want money .
"He is the richest who is content with least" - Socrates
To be introduced to such clarity of instruction And some glorious thoughts for me to ponder over is one of the few things I can be glad of the Internet age for
*Narrates the Enchiridion while showing a bust of Epicurus.
Epictetus: Am I a joke to you?
literally the complete and total opposite of epictetus
To be fair, it's a picture you get when googling images of Epictetus, but correct
A joke is you thinking you know a mam from 2000 years ago.
Thank you, Robin for this and the other works you have posted. Your voice is FABULOUS and your reading really brings these ancient works to life.
Such an underrated channel
I try to listen to this recording once a day. I know there are alot of different recordings and translations on UA-cam but none are read quite as convincingly as this one.
I have an attitude of gratitude with me every day. Thank you for healing, guidance and wisdom. So grateful, thanks.
Thank you Vox, for being the messenger for these master thinkers! Many more people will hear this information with your help!
Thank you so much, i love your reading, calming and instructing. Repeating and repeating all of your audios. Highly appreciated
I watched this one after your summary of Marcus Aurelius. I think you outdid yourself on this one, the way you structurized this and the quality of speech is incredible. I really lean heavily on this knowledge and you making this so accessible is absolutely amazing! Thank you!!
The word "Enchiridion" sounds badass
Reminds me of that Adventure time episode of the same title. Perhaps, this knowledge was packed within the contents of the book that Finn and Jake found?
This book changed my mind, my perspective, and my life. For the better.
Today morning too I have been tested and I did what was in my power to think logically and act rationally. *My Grandpa has been given back.*
I shall give back to Fortune as happily as I was given what she gave me. I didn't hesitated, I smiled and asked her for more chances to show what she bestowed upon me thinking it would break me. I'll overcome her in her own game. And just as Seneca said
"GOD DOESN'T PET GOOD MEN, HE TESTS HIM, HARDENS HIM, AND FITS HIM FOR HIMSELF."
Just this morning, i also had a test right after listening. I'll try again 😂
Good voice, priceless wisdom and opportunity to enjoy it... What an adorable day! Thank you
"Oh that I might become that which I just listened!"
This and your summary on meditations are the most important videos on youtube. Thank you for doing this.
The opening lines & 1st chapter are powerful, as are the rest of the chapters!
The first chapter gets straight to the point.
Thank you, Mr. Homer. This inspired reading, along with those you did of Seneca, are the greatest treat since Audible made available Schopenhauer's World as Will & Idea with all the Greek, Latin etc. in English.
Thank you, sir. Your voice and your emphasis on words make me to be more stoic.
Thanks @INTPworld for these uploads,you have opened up my mind to a whole new world, thank you Sir.
the world of the gnostic
Do you think majority of the audience are NTs? :))
So much useful advice. Truly shook up my previous beliefs to the core.
Love the in detail sentences on the right . Even though the longer videos have an ocean of information I can’t stop and take notes and reread such as these videos . Have been listening since channel was made and send my love l, admiration and good wishes to you my dearest fellow human Mr Homer .
Your summaries are great, you're doing a good job.
Such wisdom here for the taking. I would bow down to the author and remain bowed.
Awesome. Well done and thank you!
Are you going through my library before posting these? Gosh... Seneca, Mises and now this?! Unbelievable. Thank you.
Seneca's "Of Anger" is next. With any luck it's in your library!
INTPWorld read it a while back in the public library. You got me with that one (;
Your channel has helped me so much ❤️ thank you for your work brother, you are an inspiration 🙏❤️
I'm very grateful for your continued work, thank you !
I like the narration and interpretation.
Thanks. I like your narration, this is really great stuff. Perfect voice for philosophy
Thank you very much for this.
Exceptional reading. Thankyou for this.
Thankful for this video...please do upload more from all kind of philosophers
Great Job. Wish you could do the Discourses as well
thank you for your effort and great reading. really appreciate this. I have to reconcile these new Stoic learnings with my Judeo-Christian Bible beliefs, so far I don't see any conflicts. my wife hates to listen to this kind of stuff because she says "it doesn't Give All the Glory to God". but I see these learnings as TOOLS with which to get closer to God. She replys with "Just Read the Bible and you will get Closer to God".. I reply, It's not very well organized and takes a lifetime to read and understand ... I need the most productive and essential tools now, and I have experienced a great 'negligence, reluctance or incompetence' in the church to teach these real world ideas. I feel I am already Stoic in my nature and personality, as evidence I excelled in the United States Marine Corps and listen also to Jocko Willink, and these concise philosophical teachings simply Remind me/us of how to be a Better Man/Person today and it sharpens us up for more Bible study and Spiritual pursuits, so much Riff Raff out there to sort through. Stoicism is highly respectful of one's time and desire for simplicity. I don't just want to be Spiritual, I want to be Effective in the world and relevant in my communicaitions and duties as a leader in my home as a husband, father and in business . etc etc.
The stoics had an influence on the early Christian
I just loved!
Your reading is fabulous!
Thank you. Watching from Alaska.
This channel is such a treasure
thank u robin for adding chapter numbers! i dont know if its automatic or u added them long back, but its awesome!
Very beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing. 😊
Congratulations on 100k subscribers!
Beautiful!
Thank you for producing this video.
It helps me a lot to educate myself.
thanks a lot for your channel and your Stoic work
Thank you so much for the audiobook Vox, it's really helpful! I listen to it everyday now.
thanks, great book!
Truly a manual for self understanding.
Thanks for this
this is awesome! I wish I had learned this earlier. well? time be my friend.
This is so good when you can't sleep 😃
Thank You Good Sir,
Thank You Indeed.
Thank you 😀🌻
extremely well done, thank you brother 😚
This has become my daily prayer now.
you are the best....thank you for great reading
This video is a preferred indifferent.
Gotta use that one for my future spouse.
"You are my absolute preferred indifference"
She will beat the shit out of you.
@@TheConqueror009 yes and as a true stoic, he will welcome that test ;)
Love this😮
Dear sir. Whatever happend to your recording of Meditations? It has gone from your list of videos. I listen to it almost everyday.
New subscriber,
Love your contents.
Hello. I have interpreted number 27 differently: "Just as a mark is not set up in order to be missed, so neither does the nature of evil rise in the universe"
I interpret as: A mark is not set, that the arrow may miss it's target -> Evil does not exist as a means to tempt the arrow, the arrow simply misses the target -> Evil doesn't exist; people are just arrows, and some of them are misguided"
is my interpretation incorrect?
Hi Stephen, yes after rereading that one I think that's a much better interpretation, thanks.
things are what you make of them
I love this interpretation, I find it quite revealing. Thanks for sharing your opinion man.
Very interesting to read.
Hell yeah! You're the best!!!!!!!
That enthusiasm is no very Stoic-like!! (*she says with controlled mirth*)
Epic teachings
So a wise man is content with his lot,whatever it may be ,without wishing for what he not .
Hello sir, great narration and summary 👍 Could you upload more on your spotify account? I want to listen to your content while driving, thank you.
Sleept with this audiobook, the first 10 minutes lol.
Epectitus wrote this to himself, because the ideal is never reached. But the difference is in the attempt: the simple suffer their ways, the philosopher must take hold of his mind.
Both lie in dust and ashes. Still both must play their part.
elegant in theory, difficult in practice
@Tracchofyre I think what he ment is that you don't attach your hopes and dreams to your children - external things that you cant control like fate, personality, and behavior.
Not really though, I think any philosophy which resonates with your own philosophy of life ( if it had a positive impact on you) it's not at all difficult.
I had my philosophy in total disarray and it was not at all organized in my mind. One fine day one of my friend recommend Stoicism and I dived in and after finding Robin I can call myself Stoic.
As it resonates with my philosophy of life upto a great extent and Stoicism just put them in order and act as a strong pillar to them. Many things like Amor Fati and Memento Mori were all deeply engrained in my mind since my very early teens.
Although I'm not even close to any true Stoic I'm just a 17yo chilling with Enchiridion.
Are you sure
@@MaryJosephrobi He may also be describing the ideology in its most extreme form - or, maybe, given that he was a slave _(I don't know at what age he stopped being a slave),_ he might have had to get used to the idea of his children also getting born into slavery, and as such had to distance himself, or getting used to distancing himself. It's sad, but it makes sense that something like that could drive a similar line of thinking.
@Tracchofyre I don't think that it's the point not to grieve but it's to recognize that your child is still human and susceptible to death like every other human. It doesn't mean you don't grieve them or be emotionally
only want the things you get and you always get what you want
Hope you are well
@Vox: This is a noble video. ESPECIALLY THE BLACK COLOUR OF BACKGROUND AND THE SCULPTURE PHOTO .
WE LOVE IT SO SO MUCH . IT MAKES THIS VIDEO BECOME SO DECENT < NOBLE AND MODESTY, AND LEGEND .
Could you please tell me how can I listen the first video before this one? Than you so much sir.
"The first video before this one?" Which video are you referring to?
I thank you very much for this well-pronunciated version. It's perfect and as an English language learner it is in addition to the content of epictet very helpful to hear your voice.
But I have a question in according to the translation.
You prefer to the Oldfather's one and this is good.
But what about the translation of Elizabeth Carter which I also found in the internet?
Is this translation not common?
Oldfather (1928) and George Long (~1880s) tend to be the most common. Given the choice I tend to go for Oldfather as listeners usually don't like the more old-fashioned English of George Long.
Carter's translations was from 1750 and also wasn't on Wikisource so I didn't actually consider it. But having looked at it now it does seem very comprehensible. I may consider her translations for future recordings.
Glad you're finding the narrations useful.
@@VoxStoicaI Thank you for the detailed explanations and notes. I also thank you for pointing out the preferences of the English audience. The large number of English authors often requires a good overview, which you gave me with three exemplary writers. All hints were very useful for me, THANKS A LOT!
powerful
Really loved this
Best reading on you tube
i love it
Hard not to agree with what's being said here. All truth.
Thank's
This is my new Bible
Que será, será!
Yeees!
Oh right, stoicism.
ʏᴇᴇᴇᴇᴇs
haha is that a Times New Roman YEEEEES?
Yeah. Do everything like a true Roman, right lol?
@@VoxStoica Greek philosopher Epictetus.!!
@@kevlarkevin1840 Greek philosopher Epictetus.!!
Hi Robin. Will you be unloading the Enchirideon to Audible in the future? I’d love to purchase it.
Hi Oliver, I will but I'll need to rerecord it as the audio quality is too low on this one for Audible. (Won't take me too long but it will take a month or so to work its way through the audible submissions process.)
Thanks, I look forward to it.
Epictetus, you are an external impression not under my control.
Equanimity, a forwards memory futuresight, is better than hindsight, and a backwards operating memory produces pains usually... so dimetia, but foresight?
To me it seems the works of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius go hand in hand with the Bhagavad Gita. Stoicism can teach us how to let go of everything except what we can directly control, and Hinduism can teach us how to let go of ourselves.
Wonderful narrative voice. Thank you. (Plus now I know how to better deal with my slave boy)
Well he was a slave in his life so who better to listen to 👍😂
Thank you for this! It's the bes- oh wait, gotta be stoic...
cool vid bro bye.
It's okay to show emotion. Just dont let it control you.
@@firstlast5454 **shakes uncontrollably** help me man
Education is the truth freedom and self-control mind is the best to succeed in life.
looks like this isnt on your Soundcloud
How should a stoic act when a boss belittles or takes pleasure in humiliating him? I tried my best convince myself that it is not how it appears and that I perceived it the wrong way. But, It made me feel stupid inside. I am mentally and emotionally struggling to deal with this treatment.
A stoic would take the time to either find a new job, or calmly defend themselves. Do not be passive if there is anything you can do to assure your safety. If a man comes to you and attempts to take your life, fight back. If you are tied up and marked for death, accept the card you have been given.
@@fuckitweballin759 Thanks for your advice. Will bear this in mind.
We could also infer that their belittling of you is simply a way of them attempting to gratify their own ego.
One who is at ease with them self feels no need to humiliate others. In other words, it actually has little to do with you, and more with their own sense of inadequacy.
Once we recognise this, we should in fact feel sorry for the aggressor.
@@PurpleAmiga found a new job or argue with the boss yet?
The ending
It got me.
“They can kill me, but they cannot hurt me”
If you understood the book, only your perception can hurt you.
I can attest to this 😅
"Somebody's property is better than your property"
- this phrases demonstrates a problem ... this world, it's successes and property, ought to reflect our inner virtue ... if it does not then either the man is a coward who refuses to express himself in the world and lives in his head with self aggrandising words ... or the world is not capable (or is imperefectly capable) of rewarding virtue