Epictetus uses the metaphor of a storm to illustrate how our emotions can take us by surprise. He suggests that, like modern weather forecasting, we can prepare for and protect ourselves against such emotional storms by learning how to plan ahead and put up emotional “storm windows”. Even though we are still vulnerable to these powerful emotions, we can learn to struggle against them in a new way.
“This is the true athlete—the person in rigorous training against false impressions. Remain firm, you who suffer, don’t be kidnapped by your impressions! The struggle is great, the task divine—to gain mastery, freedom, happiness, and tranquility.”
—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.18.27–28
