Societies can succeed or fail based on how well they care for their people. Good government is essential if a society is to thrive, but it must be accompanied by attentiveness to the rights of its individuals. The lesson of the first century BC philosopher Epictetus is that individuals can rise above their circumstances by their own efforts rather than depending on society to care for them

The ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus believed that individuals and society are inseparable. Therefore, he believed that society should care for all people equally. However, this also means that society should not try to force anyone into anything they do not wish. If an individual does not want to participate in a public project, for instance, society should not force them to do so. Society should be attentive to the needs of its citizens by providing them with opportunities to be useful, but the individual has every right to say, ‘no.’ Herein lies Epictetus’s philosophy that individuals can thrive despite social restrictions. He states that people are responsible for their own happiness, and that happiness comes from one’s own will. Epictetus further explains that the only way people can achieve happiness is by living in accordance with nature; therefore, he advises his followers to ‘not seek occasions for anger or quarrels, or for lawsuits

. [or] for war, or for plots of any kind. Live as nature has appointed you to live, and you will avoid all that.’ Epictetus’s philosophy stresses that people have the power to be happy, and that happiness comes from within. Epictetus’s ideas have influenced the lives of many people ever since he was alive. His followers have adapted his teachings to suit their circumstances, and there are a variety of Buddhist schools of thought that follow his teachings. Moreover, he influenced other Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, who adapted his teachings and used them as the basis for his own philosophy. Like Epictetus, Socrates believed that each individual was responsible for their own happiness, and that happiness came from living in harmony with nature. These two philosophers are proof that a society can thrive when individuals are allowed to live as they choose rather than being forced to follow society’s rules

The idea that society should care for its people equally is a noble one. However, it must also acknowledge that people have different abilities and needs, and that society must tailor its rules to meet the needs of each individual. Without allowing individuals the freedom to choose how they will live their lives, society cannot hope to thrive.