January 2
The Stoic Quote
“What is the fruit of these teachings? Only the most beautiful and proper harvest of the truly educated—tranquillity, fearlessness, and freedom. We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say that the educated are free.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 2.1.21-23a
Understanding Epictetus’s Wisdom
Epictetus, who was born into slavery and who’s name means ‘acquired’, teaches that true education—the pursuit of wisdom—leads to a life marked by tranquility, courage, and freedom. To him, freedom is not the absence of physical constraints but the result of mastery over one's mind and desires. The educated person (in the classical sense) is free because they are no longer a slave to external circumstances, passions, or popular opinion.
The “masses” believe education and freedom are contingent on wealth, social status, or circumstance. In contrast, Epictetus argues that wisdom alone makes one free. Freedom flows not from external conditions but from internal mastery—achieved through reason, virtue, and self-discipline.
Biblical Parallels
This philosophy resonates deeply with biblical teachings that describe spiritual and mental freedom as the “fruit” of a renewed mind and soul. Below are key Bible verses that align with Epictetus’s ideas:
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John 8:31-32 (NIV)
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” - Connection: True freedom comes from knowing and adhering to the truth. Like Epictetus’s “education,” Jesus’s teachings provide wisdom that liberates us from ignorance, sin, and bondage to the world. Truth brings freedom, as wisdom brings tranquility.
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2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - Connection: This freedom transcends physical or societal constraints. Through the Spirit, we experience inner freedom—freedom from fear, anxiety, and sin—akin to Epictetus’s concept of tranquillity and fearlessness.
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Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Connection: The masses (or “the world”) cling to superficial values and false notions of freedom. True wisdom renews the mind, allowing individuals to rise above the noise of popular opinion, as Epictetus advises.
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Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Connection: This verse highlights spiritual freedom as the result of faith and wisdom. Like Stoic freedom, it requires vigilance and discipline to avoid being enslaved by desires, passions, or external forces.
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Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” - Connection: True education, as Epictetus describes, involves pursuing wisdom at all costs because it produces freedom and peace.
Tranquility, Fearlessness, and Freedom in Christianity
- Tranquility comes through faith and trust in God.
- Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- This peace mirrors the Stoic ideal of ataraxia (freedom from disturbance), achieved by aligning oneself with divine wisdom.
- Fearlessness arises when we release fear of death, suffering, or loss.
- 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Like the Stoics, Scripture teaches courage through faith, discipline, and reliance on God.
- Freedom comes from transcending worldly attachments and false definitions of success.
- 1 Corinthians 7:23: “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.”
- Paul reminds us that spiritual freedom comes from serving God, not society or self-indulgence.
Key Themes Bridging Epictetus and Scripture
- True Freedom is Internal
- Epictetus: Freedom arises when we master our thoughts and desires.
- Scripture: Freedom comes through truth, wisdom, and faith in God, leading to freedom from sin and fear.
- The Educated Mind is the Free Mind
- Epictetus links education (wisdom) with freedom. The wise person transcends the distractions of the world.
- Scripture emphasizes a renewed mind, transformed through God’s truth and wisdom (Romans 12:2).
- Tranquility is Achieved Through Wisdom
- Stoics pursue ataraxia, or freedom from emotional disturbance, through self-mastery and rational thought.
- Christians find peace by trusting in God’s sovereignty and relinquishing worldly anxieties (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Rejecting the Masses
- Epictetus warns against the influence of the masses, who misunderstand freedom and education.
- Scripture similarly warns against conforming to worldly values (Romans 12:2, Proverbs 4:7).
Conclusion
Epictetus’s teachings on freedom, tranquility, and wisdom align beautifully with biblical principles. Both emphasize that true freedom is not found in external circumstances but in the condition of the mind and soul. For the Stoic, it is achieved through reason and virtue; for the Christian, it is attained through truth, faith, and transformation by God’s Spirit.
This shared understanding reminds us that wisdom—whether through philosophy or faith—is the path to inner freedom and enduring peace.