Epictetus & Freedom
In the Stoic philosophical perspective, the only good is virtue. In the Stoic perspective, virtue is the only prerequisite to happiness, and everything else is basically indifferent.
If we take a look at Epictetus' writings, he uses the term "externals" as a substitute for "indifferents." Externals is the term utilized by other Stoics regarding matters which rest outside a person’s sphere of control. He notes that there are externals—things that rest outside our control—and things that are within our control.
Epictetus argues that freedom is an inherent quality within the individual. That is, any person can be free irrespective of the situation they are in because they have acquired an understanding of what is within their control and what is outside the bounds of their control.
Epictetus says that there is no way for a person to be unhappy if they understand the principle of what is within their control and what is outside their control. The idea here is that things like one's reputation, wealth, health, prosperity, and other external factors are outside one's control. On the other hand, virtue is within one's control. As long as one is virtuous, they will be happy and satisfied regardless of any externals they may face.
This is a very practical philosophical lens, especially relevant to the modern age. If we apply Epictetus’ dichotomy of control (and some argue there is a trichotomy of control), one can be happy irrespective of the situation they find themselves in.
The dichotomy of control, according to Epictetus, is the idea that there are things within your control and things outside your control. As long as you do not worry about the things outside your control, you will be a happy and free individual.
Epictetus argues that you cannot possibly be a victim of another; you can only be a victim of yourself. Furthermore, he asserts that a virtuous man or woman will be happy irrespective of their situation, so long as they have an understanding of Stoic virtue and the dichotomy of control.
Some expand on this idea with the "trichotomy of control," which suggests that there are:
1. Things entirely within our control,
2. Things entirely outside our control, and
3. Things partially within our control.
The core idea is that as long as you understand what is within your control and what is not—and as long as you act virtuously according to Stoic virtues—you will live a fulfilled life. The four cardinal virtues in Stoicism are wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Engaging in these virtues while recognizing the boundaries of control leads to a life of fulfillment and freedom, regardless of external circumstances.
Epictetus focuses extensively on externals in his philosophical inquiry and emphasizes freedom. According to him, freedom is the only worthy goal in life, but from his perspective, it is not something provided to you by others. Instead, freedom is something you acquire through virtue and a Stoic understanding of what is within and outside your control.
Here, it is pivotal to re-iterate that the freedoms which Epictetus is referencing to are not external freedoms such as freedom of speech, or otherwise. While these are important, Epictetus is arguing for a higher form of freedom that comes from within, and that cannot be taken away by another. In a way, it resembles the last of human freedoms, as Viktor Frankl outlined:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way”.
Through this Stoic understanding—whether you call it the dichotomy or trichotomy of control—you achieve true freedom. Other forms of freedom, such as political freedom (e.g., democracy, freedom of speech, and general external liberties), are preferred but are neither inherently good nor bad. Here, it is pivotal to recognize that the terms “good” and “bad” are utilized in the philosophical sense. Surely, the acquisition of those external freedoms is important to strive towards, protest for, and safeguard. In the philosophical lens of Stoicism, however, the only true good is virtue.
Thus, freedom, in the deepest sense, is a state of mind. You are free because you understand the difference between externals (or indifferents) and virtue, which is the only good and the only prerequisite for happiness in Stoic philosophy.
