A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion (ePub)

Epictetus (c. 50 - c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher born in Hierapolis, Phrygia. Enslaved at a young age, he spent his early life in Rome before earning his freedom and establishing a school of philosophy in Nicopolis. His teachings have largely come down to the modern world through the works of his student Arrian, who published them in a collection known as the 'Discourses'. Alongside these, the 'Encheiridion' or 'Manual', a condensed set of Epictetus's aphorisms, conveyed his central ideas and practical suggests for living a virtuous life. Epictetus's philosophy emphasizes ethics informed by a clear perception of reality. He believed that while humans cannot control external events, they can master their own perceptions, leading to a state of tranquility and freedom from suffering. His work remains influential, informing both later Stoic philosophers and contributing to the field of personal development and self-help. A testament to his lasting impact, his works have been widely translated and are studied in the context of classical philosophy and Stoic ethics. Epictetus's teachings on the acceptance of what one cannot change and the pursuit of virtue above all else continue to resonate through centuries, illustrating the timeless nature of his philosophical insights.