Doubtful fragments.
The following Fragments are omitted by Mr. Upton, but as they stand under the name of Arrian, and seem to be in the spirit of Epictetus, they are added
here. - [C.]
Ch. 1
What does it signify to me, said he, whether
the universe is composed of atoms or uncompounded substances, or of fire and earth? Is
it not sufficient to know the essence of good and
evil, and the proper bounds of the desires and aversions, and of the active powers; and by making use of
these as so many certain rules, to order the conduct
of life, and let go these things which are above us;
which, perhaps, are incomprehensible to human understanding, but if one should suppose them ever so
comprehensible, are still of doubtful benefit when comprehended. And must it not be said that he gives
himself trouble to no purpose who attributes these
things as essential to the character of a philosopher?
"What, then; is the Delphic admonition, Know thyself, superflous?" "No, surely," said he. "What,
then, does it mean?" If any one should admonish
a performer in a chorus to know himself, would he
not take it as a hint to improve his motions?89