Avoiding Error – Or at Least Trying!
"Is it possible to escape error altogether? No, it is impossible; but, it is possible to set one's mind continuously on avoiding error." This quote is from the Greek philosopher Epictetus (Discourses IV, 12), a man born a slave in the 1st century who lived in Rome until he was banned by the Emperor Domitian. Epictetus was a powerful speaker who lived a simple, self-controlled life. He was, however, far from a religious man. In fact, like most Stoic philosophers, he believed all external events are simply determined by fate. But read that quote again. It sounds pretty biblical doesn’t it? Although Epictetus doesn’t give much context for how a man is to achieve this avoidance of error, he does insinuate it can happen, and that it is a noble effort of man…