A modern translation of the philosophical classic--A necessary companion for a living a more present, intentional, and virtuous life--one full of gratitude for who we are and who we have yet to become
Epictetus sounds like the Buddha, and Sharon Lebell's voice makes him sound like the delightful man next door. -- Sylvia Boorstein, author of It's Easier Than You Think
Epicetus is brought back to life in this stunning translation by Sharon Lebell, a philosophical writer and musician. A beloved teacher of Stoic Philosophy, Epictetus observed that although everyday life is fraught with difficulty, a life of virtue is within reach. He dedicated his life to outlining the simple ways to happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility, and that advice comes to live in this brief, yet deeply impactful, book.
By putting into practice the ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, readers learn to meet the challenges of everyday life successfully and to face life's inevitable losses and disappointments with grace and morality. In this powerful guide to mindfulness and self-reflection, Epiticus provides practical wisdom on:
- How the root of suffering isn't actually life's challenges, but how we react and respond to them
- How the way we view others should mirror the way we view ourselves...with grace, empathy, and understanding
- The ways that selfishness and self-centeredness cloud our judgements and impairs our ability to fully connect with others
- How to focus inward to free yourself of the negative thoughts that cause anxiety, stress, and shame
- How to lead with kindness and forgive ourselves, and others, time and time again--and emerge stronger as a result
Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 CE in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire, and despite all he endured, has become one of the most influential writers on attaining inner peace and joy. He brilliantly shows us the possibility of leading with both logic and emotion to emerge stronger and more self-aware though all of the waves life crashes on us.
Timeless, practical, and entirely unforgettable, this is a book you will reach for, and recommend, again and again. The perfect gift for anyone seeking a different path forward--one sure to be filled with more compassion, self-love, and appreciation for all the things that make us human.
An immense dose of Epictetus would do us all a great deal of good, and I am grateful (beyond irony) to Tom Wolfe for reviving Epictetus (Harold Bloom). So what makes the writings of this former slave so powerful today? Epictetus observed that although everyday life is fraught with difficulty, a life of virtue is within reach. He dedicated his life to outlining the simple way to happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility. By putting into practice the 93 witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, readers learn to gracefully meet the challenges of everyday life as well as life's inevitable major losses and disappointments.
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.A superb new edition of Epictetus's famed handbook on Stoicism--translated by one of the world's leading authorities on Stoic philosophy
Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison. In How to Be Free, A. A. Long--one of the world's leading authorities on Stoicism and a pioneer in its remarkable contemporary revival--provides a superb new edition of Epictetus's celebrated guide to the Stoic philosophy of life (the Encheiridion) along with a selection of related reflections in his Discourses. Freedom, for Epictetus, is not a human right or a political prerogative but a psychological and ethical achievement, a gift that we alone can bestow on ourselves. We can all be free, but only if we learn to assign paramount value to what we can control (our motivations and reactions), treat what we cannot control with equanimity, and view our circumstances as opportunities to do well and be well, no matter what happens to us through misfortune or the actions of other people. How to Be Free features splendid new translations and the original Greek on facing pages, a compelling introduction that sets Epictetus in context and describes the importance of Stoic freedom today, and an invaluable glossary of key words and concepts. The result is an unmatched introduction to this powerful method of managing emotions and handling life's situations, from the most ordinary to the most demanding.The Greek philosopher Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 CE in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. While still a slave, Epictetus was brought to Rome and sent by his master Epaphroditus to study under the Stoic philosopher Gaius Musonius Rufus.
Epictetus was eventually freed from slavery, although the exact date is unknown. Afterwards he turned to teaching, and established an influential school of Stoic philosophy. His main concerns were with personal freedom, self-control and integrity, stressing that human beings cannot control life, only their responses to it. Epictetus was as respected a teacher as he was a philosopher, and his distinguished students included Marcus Aurelius, author of Meditations. Nearly two thousand years after it was written, Epictetus's A Manual for Living still speaks to the challenges of human existence. This distillation of Epictetus's teachings, gathered together by his student Flavius Arrian, features aphorisms of stunning insight and simplicity. In straightforward, no-nonsense language, the author offers thoroughly pragmatic reflections on how best to live with serenity and joy.Discover timeless wisdom in Enchiridion by Epictetus. This concise manual offers profound insights into Stoic philosophy, guiding readers towards inner
peace and resilience amidst life's challenges. Epitetus' teachings on virtue, acceptance and personal agency provide a roadmap to navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and tranquility.
Although he was born into slavery and endured a permanent physical disability, Epictetus (ca. 50-ca. 130 AD) 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. After attaining his freedom, Epictetus spent his entire career teaching philosophy and advising a daily regimen of self-examination. His pupil Arrianus later collected and published the master's lecture notes; the Enchiridion, or Manual, is a distillation of Epictetus' teachings and an instructional manual for a tranquil life. Full of practical advice, this work offers guidelines for those seeking contentment as well as for those who have already made some progress in that direction.
Explore the ancient Stoic way of thinking and the valuable lessons it holds for contemporary life
This new volume contains the Enchiridion and selected Discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who believed that moral philosophy should be a practical guide to leading a better life. His works offer timeless instruction on how to live authentically, in accordance with nature. Like other prominent Stoic thinkers Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus teaches us to attain self-mastery through the use of reason and virtuous living. In this striking addition to the Capstone Classics series, you can discover--or rediscover--the renowned Greek philosopher's guide to living the best life possible. Epictetus teaches that personal power and peace of mind are your birthright.
Epictetus focused on maintaining discipline in matters that are under our control, and letting go of matters that are not. The key to improving oneself is to learn what is 'in one's power', not judging as good or bad anything over which we have no sway. In this remarkably simple yet transformative worldview, we gain peace of mind and have a greater impact on the world.
Whether you are formally studying philosophy or pursuing your own personal development, Selected Discourses - The Wisdom of Epictetus will make an excellent addition to your library.
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The discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus are regarded as some of the most influential teachings of the ancient world. Born into slavery and sent into exile before setting up a school of philosophy, Epictetus delivered a series of lectures where he argued that true happiness comes only when we learn to distinguish what is within our power and what is beyond our personal control.
Using George Long's 1890 translation, this edition includes a selection of Epictetus' key principles, as well as a manual of his core philosophy, the Encheiridion. With clarity, conviction and timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago, these teachings navigate the complexities of the human condition and offer rational guidance for the turmoil of modern life.
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.
This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
Imagine facing every challenge in life with unshakable calm and clarity-that's the power Epictetus reveals in his timeless guide to resilience and inner freedom. Speaking directly to the human spirit, this former slave and Stoic philosopher urges us to master our own minds by focusing only on what lies within our control. Through sharp insights and vivid analogies, he illuminates a path toward virtue, peace, and strength in the face of adversity. His wisdom, forged in hardship, offers a transformative approach to life that continues to inspire those seeking purpose and tranquility.
Epictetus's Discourses and Enchiridion have profoundly shaped Western thought, becoming foundational texts for Stoic philosophy. Crafted from the teachings of a former slave turned philosopher, these works emphasize resilience, ethical discipline, and inner freedom, values that resonated with ancient leaders and scholars alike. Over centuries, the texts have inspired figures from Roman emperors to modern thinkers, helping individuals navigate adversity with strength and purpose. Their enduring appeal lies in their practical wisdom, offering timeless guidance on living with integrity and calm amidst life's challenges.
The Enchiridion, meaning handbook or manual in Greek, is a compendium of Epictetus' most essential teachings, distilled into a concise and accessible format. Through a collection of powerful aphorisms and thought-provoking ideas, Epictetus illuminates the path to inner peace, self-mastery, and virtuous living, even amidst life's inevitable hardships and uncertainties.