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Epictetus´s Handbook is basically a set of rules on how to live a noble life. Although I have only read a few sections, I believe that it is centered on ways to give life a balance and stick to what is necessary. In a way, it reminds me of the Tao Te Ching, because there is no connected story, just life lessons numbered and given striaght up. Sections 13 through 17 share an interesting similarity-they´re all about learning to control yourself. Whether it is by learning to not carry yourself away by someone else´s pain or by taking only what you truly desire when it is reachable, they all come back to the idea of behaving yourself. In a way, it denies us our right to show emotion and pursue our dreams, they want us to be stable and unwavering. In other words, Epictetus´strong point here is to turn us all into conformists, much like Billy Pilgrim had to become once he learned the real meaning of time. While Epictetus advocates letting things be for simple manners, Tralfamadorians laugh at the idea of free will and insist that even if we wanted to, things are going to happen in a certain way no matter what. I disagree with both. Destiny is simply an idea that I cannot concieve, and although I don´t mean to act rudely towards others as is Epictetus´ fear I do want to make my own decisions. But at least he gives us the possibility of breaking his advice, Tralfamadorians have no way out.