There are two distinct types of things in the world. There are things that exist external to us, such as reputation or a relationship. We have no direct control over these things as they exist outside of us. Then there are internal things that we have control over, like our desires or things we don't like. Internal things can be controlled, while external things can be more difficult to control. Some philosophers even believe that external things cannot be controlled, and attempting to control them will only lead to unhappiness. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus is one such philosopher. In the Enchiridion he outlined how to live a good life as a Stoic. Anything that is not our action is out of their control and should be ignored. He lists “body, property, reputation, and command” as examples.1 He argues that they are weak and do not belong there. Trying to control them will lead to unhappiness. On the other hand, he believes that if you recognize external things as belonging to others and internal things as your own, you will be much better off.2 For Epictetus, the correct way to live is to let things come to you, while being reserved. To illustrate this, he uses the example of a dinner party, where you shouldn't reach across the table and take things. Instead you wait until they come to you.3 Of course, not everyone thinks this way. While Epictetus believes that the best life is extremely reserved, Aristotle claims that the most virtuous life is a middle ground between the extremes. For example, the virtue of courage is the middle ground between recklessness and cowardice.4 Aristotle and Epictetus would not agree, because from an Aristotelian point of view, Epictetus' ideas do not lead to virtue. For Aristotle, virtue is like a tool that ... middle of paper .... Furthermore, his statement that it is impossible to control things outside of one's actions was wrong. it wouldn't be immediate, but both could work to change circumstances over time. Marcher had every opportunity to change things, and Maria in her lifetime probably could have done the same. If they had done this they would both have had more happiness in their lives. Giving up external things is an extreme position. When faced with something extreme, the best strategy is to find the least extreme behavior. The Aristotelian concept of a mean between extremes provides a great guideline on how to act. Both Marcher and Maria had extreme behavior regarding the management of external things. Their inability to control them has made their lives less fulfilling. Ideally they could have solved this problem by moving towards the center.