Whenever you get an impression of some pleasure, as with any impression, guard yourself from being carried away by it, let it await your action, give yourself a pause. After that, bring to mind both times, first when you have enjoyed the pleasure and later when you will regret it and hate yourself. Then compare to those the joy and satisfaction you'd feel for abstaining altogether. However, if a seemingly appropriate time arises to act on it, don't be overcome by its comfort, pleasantness, and allure-but against all of this, how much better the consciousness of conquering it. -EPICTETUS, ENCHIRIDION, 34
Epictetus advises us to be cautious when we experience pleasure, encouraging a period of contemplation before acting on it. He suggests pausing to reflect on both the joy of indulgence and the potential regret that follows. By contemplating these emotions, we can better assess the true value of restraint compared to succumbing to immediate gratification.
He emphasizes that even when it seems like the right time to indulge, we should resist the temptation. Instead of giving in to pleasure, we should recognize the greater satisfaction that comes from self-control and overcoming temptations. This mindset fosters a deeper sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
