Epictetus reframes the relationship between our desires and reality, suggesting that happiness comes from aligning our wants with what actually occurs rather than demanding that reality conform to our preferences. This is not passive resignation but strategic wisdom - we invest our energy in areas where we have influence while accepting areas where we don't. This approach eliminates the constant friction that comes from fighting against unchangeable circumstances and allows us to find peace and even appreciation in situations we didn't initially choose. It's the difference between swimming against the current and learning to navigate skillfully with it. Contentment comes from wanting what we have rather than having what we want.