The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus - The books did not have a formal title in ancient times. Although Simplicius called them Diatribai other writers gave them titles such as Dialexis , and Homiliai . The modern name comes from the titles given in the earliest medieval manuscript: "Arrian's Diatribai of Epictetus" . The Greek word Diatribai literally means "informal talks".As to the date, it is generally agreed that the Discourses were composed sometime in the years around 108 AD. Epictetus himself refers to the coins of Trajan, which shows he was teaching during that reign. Arrian was suffect consul in around 130, and since forty-two was the standard age for that position, he would have been at the right age of around twenty in 108. Furthermore the "commissioner" of the "free cities" to whom Discourse iii. 7 is addressed is thought to be the same man Pliny the Younger addresses his Letter viii. 24a letter which has been dated to around 108.

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus Epictetus - How then do men act?"The Golden Sayings of Epictetus is one of three key texts, along with the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca's Letters From A Stoic, from which we know the philosophy of Stoicism.Epictetus (ca. 50-ca. 130 AD) primarily taught about the philosophy of happiness and virtue. To Epictetus, external happenings were determined by fate, and were therefore beyond human control. He believed that people could accept whatever happened to them in a calm and unemotional manner if they recognized that certain things were not under their control. Even though fate played a role in events, Epictetus still believed that individuals were responsible for their own actions.Although he was born into slavery and endured a permanent physical disability, Epictetus maintained that all people are free to control their lives and to live in harmony with nature. We will always be happy, he argued, if we learn to desire that things should be exactly as they are.

Arrian Epictetus' 'Enchiridion & The Discourses of Epictetus' is a significant work in ancient philosophy, as it compiles the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds interested in Stoic principles. Epictetus' emphasis on self-discipline, acceptance of fate, and the pursuit of virtue is prevalent throughout the text, providing readers with practical advice on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. The Enchiridion serves as a practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy in everyday life, while The Discourses offer a deeper exploration of Epictetus' teachings. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to cultivate inner strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Arrian's "Enchiridion" is a seminal text in Stoic philosophy, serving as a concise manual for living a virtuous and resilient life. Written in a clear, direct prose style, this work distills the teachings of the Cynic philosopher Epictetus, emphasizing the importance of inner moral fortitude over external circumstances. Arrian's interpretation reflects the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where Stoicism became a guiding principle for many leaders and citizens seeking to navigate the complexities of life amidst political and social upheaval. Born into a world of privilege and military command, Arrian was not only a philosopher but also a respected historian and military leader. His education under Epictetus profoundly shaped his worldview, inspiring him to preserve and disseminate the principles of Stoicism. The "Enchiridion" encapsulates Epictetus's core teachings, offering insights into the nature of human agency, the significance of self-discipline, and the pursuit of wisdom, all of which resonate with Arrian's life experiences and intellectual pursuits. This text is highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, or personal development. Arrian's accessible interpretation of Epictetus makes the "Enchiridion" an essential read for both scholars and laypeople alike, reminding us that the path to serenity lies in mastering our responses to life's inevitable adversities.

The Ultimate Manual about Stoicism “The condition and characteristic of an uninstructed person is this: he never expects from himself profit (advantage) nor harm, but from externals. The condition and characteristic of a philosopher is this: he expects all advantage and all harm from himself.” - Epictetus, Enchiridion Know how to live without using your emotions, guided only by the mind. Learn how to see the mundane, how to approach situations that may or may not be in your direct control. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and most importantly, don’t be afraid to change. This is what stoicism is all about. This Xist Classics edition has been professionally formatted for e-readers with a linked table of contents. This eBook also contains a bonus book club leadership guide and discussion questions. We hope you’ll share this book with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it. Xist Publishing is a digital-first publisher. Xist Publishing creates books for the touchscreen generation and is dedicated to helping everyone develop a lifetime love of reading, no matter what form it takes

Selections from the writings of the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus, compiled and translated by Hastings Crossley. Epictetus (AD 55-AD 135) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was probably born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey), and lived in Rome until his exile to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he lived most of his life and died. His teachings were noted down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses. Philosophy, he taught, is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe, human beings have a duty of care to all fellow humans. The person who followed these precepts would achieve happiness.

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus is one of three key texts, along with the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca's Letters From A Stoic, from which we know the philosophy of Stoicism.Epictetus