Page:All the works of Epictetus - which are now extant; consisting of his Discourses, preserved by Arrian, in four books, the Enchiridion, and fragments (IA allworksofepicte00epic).pdf/127

RV 75 (Chap. 26.) 

S one [of his Scholars] was reading hypothetical Syllogisms; it is likewise a Law in these, says Epictetus, to admit what follows from the Hypothesis: but much more is it a Law in Life, to do what follows from Nature. For, if we desire in every Subject of Action, and in every Circumstance, to keep up to Nature; we must, on every Occasion, evidently make it our Aim, neither to let Consequences escape our Observation, nor to admit Contradictions. Philosophers, therefore, first exercise us in Theory, which is the more easy Task, and then lead us to the more difficult: for in Theory, there is nothing to oppose our following what we are taught; but in Life, there are many Things to draw us aside. It is ridiculous then, to say, we must begin from these: for it is not easy to begin from the most difficult: and this Excuse must be made to those Parents, who dislike that their Children should learn philosophical Speculations.—"Am I to blame then, Sir, and ignorant of my Duty, and of what is incumbent on me? If this is neither to be learnt, nor taught, why do you find fault with me? If it is to be taught, pray teach me yourself: or, if you cannot, give me Leave to learn it from those who profess to understand it. Besides: do you think that I voluntarily fall into Evil, and miss of Good? Heaven forbid! What then, is the Cause of my Faults?" Ignorance. "Are you not willing then, that I should get rid of my Ignorance? Who was ever taught the