In the quote from Epictetus' "The Handbook," he emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective on life's hardships. He suggests that we often react differently to the misfortunes of others compared to our own. For instance, when someone else's possessions or loved ones are lost, we tend to rationalize these events as part of life. This reflects our understanding that suffering and loss are universal experiences.

Epictetus encourages us to apply the same understanding to our own situations. When faced with personal tragedy, we often focus on our suffering rather than recognizing it as a shared human experience. By remembering how we respond to others' misfortunes, we can cultivate acceptance and resilience, ultimately leading to a more balanced emotional state in the face of our own challenges.