“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…”
Epictetus, Discourses, 2.5.4-5
This quote is a perfect introduction to stoic philosophy. I do notice they talk a lot of good and evil. To find and absorb good, and identify and reject evil. Can heroes exist without villains? I’ve been thinking about concepts like this lately. People seem to get so upset at the mere existence of evil and suffering. Does its existence clarify and solidify your core values? Do those core values then motivate you to act better and fight the good fight against evil and suffering? Is the existence of evil, bad?