April 24

Can any man hinder you from assenting to the truth? No man can. Can any man compel you to receive what is false? No man can. You see that in this matter you have the faculty of the will free from hindrance, free from compulsion, unimpeded. 

Well then, in the matter of desire and pursuit of an object, is it otherwise? And what can overcome pursuit except for another pursuit? And what can overcome desire and aversion except for another desire and aversion? 

But, you object: “If you place before me the fear of death, you do compel me.” No, it is not what is placed before you that compels, but your opinion that it is better to do so and so than to die. 

In this matter then it is your opinion that compelled you.

EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book i. §17. ¶2.