Of all the things that are, some are good, others bad, and yet others indifferent. The good are virtues and all that share in them; the bad are the vices and all that indulge them; the indifferent lie in between virtue and vice and include wealth, health, life, death, pleasure, and pain. -EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.19.12b–13
Epictetus categorizes various aspects of life into three distinct groups: the good, the bad, and the indifferent. The good represents virtues that enhance our existence, while the bad encompasses vices that can lead us astray. These two categories define moral character and guide human behavior.
In contrast, the indifferent elements fall between these two extremes and include aspects such as wealth, health, and various emotions. They are not inherently good or bad but gain significance based on how we respond to them. This perspective offers insight into the Stoic philosophy of focusing on virtues while understanding the neutral nature of external circumstances.
