Enchiridion 13 reminds us that we need to take a direction in life. Do we find happiness with external things or does happiness come from within. We cannot have it both ways.

In Stoicism externals are indifferent they are neither good nor bad but people put too much emphasis on them. They try to show their importance through status or what they own. But this is not productive.

People also let the judgements and opinions of others dictate their role in life. It is easy to develop a false sense of worth through externals.

Enchiridion 13 seems to mirror a movement occurring today called minimalism. Minimalist living helps you to develop a better understanding not only of what you really want but also what you really need.

When you know the value of each item in your life, you will appreciate each one more. In turn, when you know what’s important, you’ll develop a stronger sense of well-being that pervades throughout your life.