This self-knowledge that you have betrayed yourself, destroyed yourself, is the very worst harm that can befall a Stoic. Epictetus says:

· “No one comes to his fall because of another’s deed.”
· “No one is evil without loss or damage.”
· “No man can do wrong with impunity.”

I call this whole personal guilt package that Epictetus relied upon, “the reliability of the retribution of the guilty conscience.” As I sometimes say, “There can be no such thing as a ‘victim;’ you can only be a ‘victim’ of yourself.” Remember:

· Controlling your emotions can be empowering.
· Your inner self is what you make it.
· Refuse to want to fear, and you start acquiring a constancy of character that makes it impossible for another to do you wrong.

Somebody asked Epictetus: “What is the fruit of all these doctrines?” He answered with three sharp words: “Tranquility, Fearlessness, and Freedom.”

Thank you.