"Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return?"

This quote by Epictetus is a suggestion to remain favorable and optimistic in the face of hardship. He is recommending that instead of stating "I have lost something," we must rather state "I have actually returned it." He is indicating that even in the worst of situations, such as the death of a kid or a partner, or the loss of an estate, we need to still look at it as a return. He is suggesting that we ought to not be dissuaded by these losses, but rather look at them as a return to something greater. By doing this, we can stay favorable and confident in the face of disaster. Epictetus is reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can still discover something to be grateful for.