The first and most necessary place (part, τόπος) in
philosophy is the use of theorems (precepts, φεωρήματα),
for instance, that we must not lie: the second part is that
of demonstrations, for instance, How is it proved that we
ought not to lie: the third is that which is confirmatory
of these two and explanatory, for example, How is this a
demonstration? For what is demonstration, what is consequence, what is contradiction, what is truth, what is
falsehood? The third part (topic) is necessary on account
of the second, and the second on account of the first; but
the most necessary and that on which we ought to rest is
the first. But we do the contrary. For we spend our
time on the third topic, and all our earnestness is about.
it: but we entirely neglect the first. Therefore we lie;
out the demonstration that we ought not to lie we have
ready to hand.
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The Discourses of Epictetus, with the Encheridion and Fragments. Epictetus. George Long. translator. London. George Bell and Sons. 1890.
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