Ancient Source - How do you use them?

[Epictetus]

Do I write a paper where I quote a primary source, then quote a secondary source that interprets that primary source for me? Gee, sounds like a rather mind-numbing dont learn how to think or interpret on your own kind of paper.

Well, if your professor said that your opinion needs to be backed up by a source here is your opportunity. You could cite something from a primary source and argue your point backed by secondary sources, for instance.

I wouldn't call it "mind-numbing." I really enjoy looking up primary sources I read about in secondary works. I think it really helps to understand a topic and it is interesting how scholars view an ancient statement in different ways.