Every habit and capability is confirmed and grows in its corresponding actions, walking by walking, and running by running … therefore, if you want to do something make a habit of it, if you don't want to do that, don't, but make a habit of something else instead. The same principle is at work in our state of mind. When you get angry, you've not only experienced that evil, but you've also reinforced a bad habit, adding fuel to the fire. -EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.18.1–5
In this excerpt from Epictetus, he emphasizes the importance of habits and their impact on our actions and mindset. He asserts that engaging consistently in a particular behavior strengthens that habit. If one wants to achieve a specific outcome, making it a regular practice is crucial. Conversely, if there’s something undesirable, it’s better to consciously avoid it and instead cultivate a different, constructive habit.
Moreover, Epictetus warns about the consequences of negative emotions like anger. When we allow ourselves to become angry, we not only experience the negative feelings but also reinforce a detrimental behavior pattern. This highlights the significance of mindfulness in our thoughts and actions, guiding us to consciously develop positive habits instead of falling into harmful ones.
