Consider What Comes First, Then What Follows, and Then Act
             This article first of all urges you to think first before you act. When you are thinking of acting you must first consider what will be the result of the particular action in question. You must "consider what that (action) leads to, and then act in accordance with what you've learned".
             You must think ahead and look at all the possible results; looking especially at the worst possible result to make sure that your resolve will still urge you to press on. The passage claims that considering the possible outcome of a decision in this way, will commit you and distinguish you from a "dabbler". Only this way will we be satisfied by our endeavors, because if we never commit to anything then we will be "hollow, superficial people". But it warns us that we must be sure of this decision we are making because "it is one thing to wish to be a champion...it is another to actually do it". You must be honest with yourself and "free yourself from delusion" in order to avoid being crushed by an unrealistic decision.
             The example of an Olympic competitor was used. You may decide you want to compete in the games but you must consider all things such as the training involved and then even after the training the possibility of being defeated. You should also consider if you even have what it takes to be a worthy competitor. Only then should you make the decision.
             This passage was quite interesting due to its obvious connection with the ideas of Plato. This passage discusses the reasons why most forms of entertainment should be avoided. Much like Plato, Epictetus believes that many of these forms of entertainment present a bad influence on your mind because you must "be discriminating about what images an
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