When you let your attention slide for a bit, don't think you will get back a grip on it whenever you wish-instead, bear in mind that because of today's mistake everything that follows will be necessarily worse…. Is it possible to be free from error? Not by any means, but it is possible to be a person always stretching to avoid error. For we must be content to at least escape a few mistakes by never letting our attention slide. -EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.12.1; 19
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus in our daily lives. When we allow our attention to drift, we risk making mistakes that can lead to negative consequences. He suggests that rather than believing we can easily regain our focus, we should recognize that any lapse in attention may compound future issues. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful and proactive in our awareness to minimize errors.
While it may not be feasible to achieve complete freedom from mistakes, striving to avoid them is essential. Epictetus advocates for a continuous effort to stay attentive, implying that consistent practice and vigilance can help us sidestep some errors. This philosophy encourages us to be diligent in our pursuits and mindful of our actions, fostering a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to life.
