Handbook of Epictetus (HPC Philosophical Classics Series) by Epictetus published by Hackett Pub Co

by Epictetus

Excellent Book

Paperback

Published January 1, 1983

About the author

Epictetus 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.

Other language versions:
Epictète
Epícteto
Epiktet

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect philosopher for 8th graders, I have taught this at 3 schools now.

[Aaron Bang]

“What truly lies within our control?” This question captures the main point of The Handbook Of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher whose teachings are still important today. The book serves as a practical guide to self-discipline, virtue, and emotional resilience. Overall, it offers lessons on how to live wisely and calmly in an unpredictable world. The Handbook Of Epictetus gives short lessons about Stoic philosophy. It teaches that peace of mind comes from focusing on what we can control, our own thoughts and actions, while accepting what we cannot.

One of the best parts of The Handbook is its clarity and simplicity. Epictetus writes with terms that make it easy to understand. For example, he says, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” This statement turns complex philosophical ideas into language that anyone can understand. The briefness of the book makes it approachable for readers new to philosophy. The book encourages rational thinking, moral strength, and freedom from emotional animosity caused by external forces.

The Handbook of Epictetus is a timeless book to philosophical and ethical living. It’s best for readers looking for clarity in their everyday life.

[J. Allyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

- some things are up to us, and some are not up to us. Our opinions are up to us, and our impulses, desires, aversions – and short, whatever is our own doing.
- Do not seek to have a vets happen as you want them to, but instead want them to happen, as they do happen, and your life will go well.
- It is better to die of hunger with distress and fear gone than to live upset in the midst of plenty.
- You cannot demand an equal share, if you did not do the same things
- For each action, consider what leads up to it, and what follows it, and approach it in the light of that.
- Talk without blaming or praising or comparing.
- Avoid banquets given by those outside philosophy.
- The position and character of a non-philosopher: he never looks for benefit or harm to come from himself, but from things outside. The position and character of a philosopher: he looks for all benefit and harm to come from himself.
- How long do you put off thinking yourself worthy of the best things, and never going against the definitive capacity of reason?

[Kgb Kowboy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm biased but, it just seems that there are more issues with stoicisms arguments than there are practical applications.

The book is well translated.