"Master, I have discovered what Seneca would think a wise Master like you would do."
"Indeed, I am curious."
"He says: 'I am writing down a few things that may be of use to them later generations', and also: 'I am pointing out to others the right path the Way, which I have recognised only late in life, ...' (Letters 8.5.). Is that not the learning and teaching process of a whole race, the human race? What you have learned when old, you put on paper for the young, then the race learns."
"But Epictetus was by far the wiser."
"I do not understand."
"He knew that it was useless to put things on paper, it would not be read. Ask 10, 000 persons whether they have read AND/OR practised Epictetus' wisdom EVER. Not one, I tell you. He was right 2000 years ago, we still have not learnt."
"But Master, this book here, in which you and we all speak, this very page!"
"I only did write it because catastrophe is so near, all mankind being on the verge of being wiped out. Epictetus and all Tao/Stoics, were only meant for happiness, no catastrophe looming like now. Nevertheless, this book too, will not be read, unless, maybe, a half or a three-quarter world-catastrophe occurs. Perhaps, ...".