The Dichotomy of Control

What Is Up to Us

The foundation of Stoic philosophy is a simple but powerful distinction: some things are within our control (our judgments, intentions, desires, and aversions) and some things are not (our body, reputation, possessions, other people's actions).

Epictetus opened his Enchiridion with this teaching:

"Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing. Not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."

Why This Matters

Most human suffering, the Stoics argued, comes from confusing these two categories — getting upset about things we cannot change, or neglecting the things we can.

• Worried about a job interview outcome? The outcome is not in your control. Your preparation and attitude are.
• Angry at someone's behavior? Their actions are not up to you. Your response is.
• Frustrated by the weather? The Stoics would smile at this one.

Not Passivity

This is not resignation. The Stoics were among the most active people in history — Marcus Aurelius ran an empire, Seneca was a political advisor, Epictetus taught thousands. They simply focused their energy where it could make a difference.