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.