Selected Discourses - The Wisdom of Epictetus: The Stoic Classic

by Epictetus, Tom Butler-Bowdon

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.

Discover the practical moral philosophy of Epictetus, renowned Greek philosopher in the Stoic tradition Gain solace and peace of mind from the Stoic message of letting go of what we cannot control Learn the key messages of Epictetus in a new edition introduced by personal development author Tom Butler-Bowdon Gain the keys to a virtuous, productive, and happy life 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.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

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

[Callum's Column · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small book includes Epictetus' famous Enchiridion and selected discourses that outline his stoic philosophy. His thought can be summarised in one sentence: "The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others." I am not particularly persuaded by stoicism—emotions are what make us human, and encourage human agency to change society. Nonetheless, of all stoical work, Epictetus' Enchiridion is probably the best. I agree with Mary Beard's critique of the most famous stoic philosophical piece, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, where she argues that his musings are uninspiring platitudes.

[Mitchell Chatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enchiridion component is aphoristic, and generally a 4.5 or 5 star element.
The remaining extracts I found to be a little less good, even if they do flesh out the thinking of Epictetus. In it I noticed a pre cursor to Egoism and Stirner’s elaborations (though as an acorn rather than a sapling), kantian categorical imperatives, and almost some social atomism too.
The role of Nature and Reason - in a more specific than currently “normal” understanding - is critical to his work. That said, to some degree it seems that the advice - starting from the self and working out to limits of the self - applies even where Nature and Reason aren’t believed. That thought (of mine) probably requires more groundwork with Merleau-Ponty or similar to ground it appropriately.
I would be interested to see what the translator/s were working with, because again there seems to be a strong Christianising tendency in referencing both Zeus and ‘gods’ on the one hand and ‘God’ on the other.
Generally a pragmatic read, though as above I strongly preferred the Enchiridion component.

[Rany Handayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read modern writers like Ryan Holiday and Massimo Pigliucci wrote about Epictetus stoicism teachings on their books. I decided to went straight to the source and read what Epictetus was really saying.

The book contains Epictetus teachings books, Enchiridion and selected pages from Discourses.

I found them all relatable with how I feel and think on daily basis and really gives some practical ways on dealing with mundane stuff. It's amazing that the teaching still relevant after almost 2000 years! Although, I found some of Epictetus teachings are a bit too extreme. But again, it was an old teaching, written on the era with his situation as former slave. There are things that are just irrelevant in this century. But most of them are very relevant.

[Jesse Kneiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A former slave who created a school of thought that shaped emperors. Here are some of the quotes I found impactful from this book:

-“On no occasion call yourself a philosopher, nor talk at large of your principles. Only act on your principles.”

-“Do not wish to be praetor, or prefect, or consul, but to be free. And there is only one way to freedom-to despise what is not within your own power.”

-“Do not entrust anyone with the means to control your peace of mind.”

-“To accuse others of one’s own misfortunes is a sign of ignorance. To accuse oneself shows that one’s enlightenment has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one’s enlightenment is complete.”

[Richard F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple stoic text summarising some of the key tenets of Stoicism. The Enchiridion is well known and was the most useful to read. The selected discourses for me were a mixed bag. Some of the reasoning was difficult to agree with or at least difficult to follow in a modern context. I would probably rate the Enchiridion 4 stars but the selected discourses 3 stars.

[Sarah Lavereau · Rating 4 out of 5]

point form. simple and effective like the stoic life. emphasis on what’s in your control/ what isn’t. biggest take away (for me) was that it’s not things that hurt us it’s our judgement of things. good points about our perception of possessions and loss as wel.

[Brandon Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the ancient texts. There is really nothing new under the sun. Some great wisdom and take away from writings almost 2000 years old.

[Tristan Rosato · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some really good advice in this. The only reason I am not giving it a 5 star was for passage 40, which came across as sexst.