The Dichotomy of Control

"Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions."
— Epictetus, Enchiridion

The Dichotomy of Control is perhaps the most fundamental principle of Stoicism. It asks us to distinguish between what depends on us and what does not.

What We Control

• Our Judgments: How we interpret events.
• Our Intentions: The goals we set for ourselves.
• Our Values: What we consider good or bad.

What We Do Not Control

• External Outcomes: Whether we get the job, win the race, or are loved by others.
• The Past: What has already happened.
• Other People: Their thoughts, actions, and feelings.

By focusing our energy entirely on what we control, we become invincible. No external event can harm our character or force us to act against our nature. We find peace knowing we did our best, regardless of the outcome.