January 7
The Stoic Quote
“The proper work of the mind is the exercise of choice, refusal, yearning, repulsion, preparation, purpose, and assent. What then can pollute and clog the mind’s proper functioning? Nothing but its own corrupt decisions.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 4.11.6–7
Understanding Epictetus’ Insight
Epictetus teaches that the mind is at its best when it is fully engaged in rational decision-making and clear purpose. He lists the key faculties of the mind:
- Choice: The ability to make decisions in alignment with one’s values.
- Refusal: The ability to reject what does not serve one’s purpose or virtues.
- Yearning and Repulsion: Emotional responses that direct one’s desires and aversions, influencing choices.
- Preparation: The mindset of readiness, anticipating challenges and opportunities.
- Purpose: Aligning actions and decisions with one's higher goals or values.
- Assent: Giving approval to thoughts or ideas that align with reason and virtue.
Epictetus cautions that the only thing that can disturb the mind’s clarity and function is corrupt decision-making — choices driven by irrational desires, attachments, or false beliefs.
Biblical Parallels
The Bible offers wisdom that complements Epictetus’ understanding of the mind’s role in shaping one’s life and decisions:
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Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Connection: Just as Epictetus emphasizes that corrupt decisions harm the mind’s function, Proverbs reminds us that the heart — the source of our decisions and desires — must be protected from harmful influences.
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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. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” - Connection: Both Epictetus and this passage call for the renewal of the mind — for rejecting external pressures and making decisions in alignment with wisdom and purpose.
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Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” - Connection: This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing thoughts that align with virtue, paralleling Epictetus' call for exercising the faculties of the mind toward positive, virtuous ends.
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Matthew 12:33-35 (NIV)
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” - Connection: Just as the quality of one’s decisions stems from the heart or mind, this passage reveals that good or bad actions are reflections of internal beliefs, emphasizing the importance of guarding one’s inner life.
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James 1:8 (NIV)
“Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” - Connection: Double-mindedness, akin to corrupt decisions, leads to instability. James warns of the danger of a divided mind, which mirrors Epictetus’ idea of how poor choices pollute the mind’s clarity.
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Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” - Connection: The connection between thought and action aligns with Epictetus’ view that one’s decisions shape the functioning of the mind and determine behavior. A mind focused on wisdom will yield virtuous actions.
Living with a Clear Mind
Both Epictetus and Scripture emphasize the importance of guarding and directing the mind towards clarity, purpose, and virtue:
- Exercising Virtuous Thought and Decision
- Epictetus: The mind’s work is to focus on clear, rational decision-making.
- Scripture: Guard your heart and mind to ensure that decisions align with truth and virtue (Proverbs 4:23).
- Rejecting Corrupt Choices
- Epictetus: The mind is polluted by irrational, corrupt decisions.
- Scripture: A double-minded person is unstable in their decisions, creating instability (James 1:8).
- Transforming the Mind
- Epictetus: A clear mind leads to virtuous actions.
- Scripture: The renewal of the mind brings alignment with God’s will (Romans 12:2).
Conclusion
Epictetus teaches that the mind functions best when it is focused on wise and deliberate decision-making, aligned with virtue and purpose. Scripture echoes this idea, emphasizing the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, making choices that reflect wisdom, and rejecting corrupt decisions that lead us astray. Both philosophies encourage a life directed by clear, intentional thought and action in alignment with higher values.