Have you ever felt so infuriated with someone that you wished you could make them feel your pain? Epictetus flips this idea on its head. Instead of seeking revenge or stewing in anger, he suggests that the best way to "get back" at any adversary is simply by focusing on yourself, by living the most impressive, ethical, and satisfying life possible.

Think about it: what could be more irritating to those who wish you ill than seeing you unfazed and thriving? True triumph comes from your resilience and capacity to pursue self-improvement, not from lowering yourself to petty squabbles.

Try stepping away from the energy-draining cycle of hostility. When someone cuts you off in traffic or a coworker undermines you, pause. Rather than react with spite, choose to invest that energy back into yourself.

Ask: How can I use this moment to become a better version of myself? Maybe it’s cultivating patience, showing kindness when it’s least expected, or doubling down on your own goals.

This way, you’re not just denying your "enemy" the satisfaction of seeing you ruffled; you're also building a life so robust and fulfilling that their attempts to unsettle you become trivial and lose their power altogether.