Book 1
Of the things which are, and the things which are not in our own power.
1
Of human faculties in general, you will find that each is unable to contemplate itself, and therefore to approve or disapprove itself. How far does the proper sphere of grammar extend? As far as the judging of language. Of music? As far as the judging of melody. Does either of them contemplate itself, then? By no means.
1
Thus, for instance, when you are to write to your friend, grammar will tell you what to write; but whether you are to write to your friend at all, or no, grammar will not tell you. Thus music, with regard to tunes; but whether it be proper or improper, at any particular time, to sing or play, music will not tell you. What will tell, then?
1
That faculty which contemplates both itself and all other things.
1
And what is that?
1
The Reasoning Faculty; for that alone is found able to place an estimate upon itself,—what it is, what are its powers, what its value and likewise all the rest. For what is it else that says, gold is beautiful? since the gold itself does not speak. Evidently, that faculty which judges of the appearances of things.The word (φαντασία) here translated the appearances of things, will sometimes be found rendered, in other passages, the phenomena of existence, and sometimes things as they appear. It was a favorite word with the Stoics, and can be adequately translated by no single English word, or even phrase,—implying as it does not merely the uncertainty of all impressions, but the unimportance of the emotions they involved. Fortunately for translators, Epictetus cared very little for metaphysical subtilties, and very much for his few and simple ethical principles; so that it is rarely difficult to make his meaning clear.—H. What else distinguishes music, grammar, the other faculties, proves their uses, and shows their proper occasions?
1
Nothing but this.
