The quote by Epictetus highlights a profound perspective on freedom. It suggests that true freedom is not achieved by satisfying every desire or wish we have, but rather by letting go of our desires altogether. This shift in focus encourages individuals to seek inner peace and contentment rather than constantly chasing external pleasures or material gains. By removing desires, one can attain a sense of liberation from the anxieties and disappointments that often accompany unfulfilled wants.
In this context, Epictetus invites us to reconsider the nature of freedom. Instead of viewing it as the ability to fulfill every desire, he implies that freedom lies in the mastery over our cravings and attachments. Embracing self-control and detachment allows for a more profound and enduring sense of freedom, rooted in acceptance and understanding rather than in the transient satisfaction of desires. Ultimately, this perspective encourages a more resilient and serene approach to life.