The first and most necessary topic in philosophy is
the practical application of principles, as, We ought not to lie; the second is that of demonstrations, as,
Why it is that we ought not to lie; the third, that
which gives strength and logical connection to the
other two, as, Why this is a demonstration. For
what is demonstration? What is a consequence;
what a contradiction; what truth; what falsehood?
The third point is then necessary on account of the
second; and the second on account of the first.
But the most necessary, and that whereon we ought
to rest, is the first. But we do just the contrary.
For we spend all our time on the third point, and
employ all our diligence about that, and entirely
neglect the first. Therefore, at the same time that
we lie, we are very ready to show how it is demonstrated that lying is wrong.
The Works of Epictetus: His Discourses, in Four Books, the Enchiridion, and Fragments. Epictetus. Thomas Wentworth Higginson. translator. New York. Thomas Nelson and Sons. 1890.
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