240810 What I learned in my studies this morning 4

Today's Meditation(s):

Fragments, 7 (Waterfield)

I get the overall sentiment, but I am really confused by the first inability up there.

I understand the converse, that an inability to do good for others would be a defining characteristic of a despicable person. That make sense.  But the idea that the mark of a despicable person is commonly said to be his inability to cause harm?

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I've mentioned before that I try to phrase things positively for my kids — what do I want them to do rather than what do I want them not to do.

I remember writing about shifting from my old phrase, don't sell past the close, to a positive version I read somewhere with the same idea behind it: take the win.

This passage from Epictetus seems to be in that vein. I realize it's different, but it feels the same: it's not about the bad I might do; it's about the good I neglect.