Epictetus

A foundational work of Stoic philosophy, this collection presents the teachings of Epictetus as recorded by his student, Arrian. Rather than abstract theory, these texts offer direct, often challenging instruction on how to live a rational, ethical, and resilient life, aiming to shape character rather than inform intellect. Epictetus (c. 50-135 AD) was a former slave who became one of the most influential teachers of philosophy in ancient Rome. His most famous pupil, Arrian, studied under him as a young man and produced Discourses based on the notes taken from Epictetus' lectures, preserving his spoken teachings. Central to these writings is the Stoic principle known as the dichotomy of control: the distinction between what is within our power-our judgements, desires, and actions-and what lies beyond it. Through clear examples and probing questions, Epictetus shows how misplaced desires and false judgements are the true sources of human suffering, affirming virtue as the only genuine good. Translated by William Abbott Oldfather (1880-1945), this edition remains a timeless guide for anyone seeking inner strength, ethical clarity, and lasting tranquillity in their lives.

A concise manual of Stoic wisdom, The Encheiridion presents a collection of short, practical maxims drawn from the teachings of Epictetus. Focusing on the essential distinction between what lies within our power and what does not, known as the dichotomy of control, Epictetus teaches that virtue is the only true good. He argues that life's difficulties are not obstacles but opportunities to cultivate self-discipline, rational judgment, and moral strength. Epictetus (c. 50-135 AD) was a former slave who became one of the most influential teachers of philosophy in ancient Rome. His most famous pupil, Arrian, studied under him as a young man and produced The Encheiridion based on notes taken from Epictetus' lectures, preserving his spoken teachings. Practical in tone and focused on everyday life, this volume remains a timeless guide to resilience, self-mastery, and ethical living--a perfect volume for those seeking clarity and profound change through Stoic philosophy.

A foundational work of Stoic philosophy, this collection presents the teachings of Epictetus as recorded by his student, Arrian. Rather than abstract theory, these texts offer direct, often challenging instruction on how to live a rational, ethical, and resilient life, aiming to shape character rather than inform intellect. Epictetus (c. 50-135 AD) was a former slave who became one of the most influential teachers of philosophy in ancient Rome. His most famous pupil, Arrian, studied under him as a young man and produced Discourses based on the notes taken from Epictetus' lectures, preserving his spoken teachings. Central to these writings is the Stoic principle known as the dichotomy of control: the distinction between what is within our power--our judgements, desires, and actions--and what lies beyond it. Through clear examples and probing questions, Epictetus shows how misplaced desires and false judgements are the true sources of human suffering, affirming virtue as the only genuine good. Translated by William Abbott Oldfather (1880-1945), this edition remains a timeless guide for anyone seeking inner strength, ethical clarity, and lasting tranquillity in their lives.

R impression inchang e de l' dition originale de 1874.

R impression inchang e de l' dition originale de 1874.

The essential writings from the three pillars of Stoicism. Bringing together the essential writings of the three most influential Stoic philosophers, The Essential Stoic is an accessible and instructive guide to living a better life through the teachings of Stoicism, and includes an insightful introduction from Mark Tuitert, Olympic speed skater and bestselling author of The Stoic Mindset. Distilling the wisdom of the three Stoic masters, this volume contains the three most widely-read volumes of Stoic philosophy in history. Readers will get a comprehensive, 360-degree view of Stoicism, from Epictetus' ethics to Marcus Aurelius' reflections to Seneca's aphorisms. Hailed as one of Rome's "last good emperors," Marcus Aurelius reflects on living wisely, calmly, and virtuously in a chaotic world. Epictetus describes the need to rationally accept the world around us and live with uncompromising virtue. Seneca provides quick, accessible Stoic wisdom in a series of letters to his friend Lucilius. The philosophers' combined wisdom shows readers how to live their best lives, staying calm and rational in the face of hardship, remaining true to their own code of ethics, and accepting the world on its own terms.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of intensely practical informal lectures. Epictetus directs his students to focus attention on their opinions, anxieties, passions and desires, so that they may never fail to get what they desire. True education lies in learning to distinguish what is our own from what does not belong to us, and in learning to correctly assent or dissent to external impressions. The purpose of his teaching was to make people free and happy.The Discourses have been influential since they were written by Epictetus' pupil Arrian around 108 AD. Epictetus divides philosophy into three fields of training, which include desire, choice, and assent, with especial application to ethics. He also teaches that the shortcomings of our fellow people are to be met with patience and charity, and we should not allow ourselves to grow indignant over them, for they too are a necessary element in the universal system. Epictetus believed that the ideal human will not be angry with the wrong-doer; he will only pity his erring, and thus become the perfect Stoic.

'Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen'How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers - Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius - offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world.One of twenty new books in the bestselling Penguin Great Ideas series. This new selection showcases a diverse list of thinkers who have helped shape our world today, from anarchists to stoics, feminists to prophets, satirists to Zen Buddhists.