Epictetus presents one of the most empowering yet challenging Stoic principles: that others cannot truly harm our essential self unless we grant them permission. While physical harm may be inflicted upon our bodies, emotional and psychological harm requires our internal consent - our agreement to be disturbed, offended, or diminished by others' words or actions. This doesn't minimize the reality of abuse or trauma, but rather points to our ultimate sovereignty over our inner response. By recognizing this power, we can maintain our dignity, peace, and self-worth even in the face of hostility, criticism, or rejection. It's a call to take responsibility for our emotional wellbeing and refuse to surrender our inner tranquility to external forces.