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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper describes his work sometimes referred to as The Manual. The ideas are critiqued and other philosophy is discussed. Virtue and compassion are two things explored. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA446Epi.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
guide is one that may provide people with sound decision making strategies and ways in which to live. Rather than coveting something, and being disappointed by not getting it, choosing
what one has already is a plan. In other words, contentment with the present and with what is, is central to the ideology. Epictetus writes: "If, then, you confine your
aversion to those objects only which are contrary to the natural use of your faculties, which you have in your own control, you will never incur anything to which you
are averse. But if you are averse to sickness, or death, or poverty, you will be wretched. Remove aversion, then, from all things that are not in our control, and
transfer it to things contrary to the nature of what is in our control. But, for the present, totally suppress desire: for, if you desire any of the things which
are not in your own control, you must necessarily be disappointed." In some ways, the admonition is typical of Eastern philosophy. At the same time, some forms of philosophy
and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism in particular, contend that one can attain enlightenment through their desires. In fact, it is through chanting for what one wants, and visualizing it, that one
will eventually be free from the gnawing desire. This is true either through attainment or through a transformation of the individual. Epictetus seems to be on the right track, but
surely his request is easier said than done. How can one quell desire? Epictetus writes: "If you wish your children, and your wife, and your friends to live for ever,
you are stupid." He does this not to mock people but to point out that anyone who has a wish for something ridiculous, or for something that can never happen,
...