The Philosopher's Self-Reliance — The Enchiridion

Epictetus opens with two conditions. The vulgar person never looks for help or harm from himself, but only from externals. The philosopher looks to himself for all help or harm. One outsources credit and blame; the other keeps the ledger inward.

The middle lists marks of the proficient. He censures, praises, blames, and accuses no one; says nothing of himself as being anybody or knowing anything. When hindered or restrained, he accuses himself. If praised, he smiles to himself at the praiser; if censured, he makes no defense. He goes about with the caution of a convalescent, careful not to disturb what is doing well but not yet secure.

The closing completes the portrait. He restrains desire, transfers aversion to what thwarts the proper use of will, employs energies moderately, and does not care if he appears stupid or ignorant. In a word, he keeps watch over himself as over an enemy and one in ambush. Progress is guarded, not performed.