Selected Discourses of Epictetus, and the Enchiridion

by Epictetus

“Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.” ― Epictetus “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” ― Epictetus “I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.” ― Epictetus “No man is free who is not master of himself .” ― Epictetus “Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be borne, the other by which it may not. If your brother acts unjustly towards you, do not take hold of the fact that he acts unjustly; rather take hold of the fact that he is your brother who was nurtured with you.” ― Epictetus Epictetus’ Discourses have, since antiquity, been among the most influential Stoic texts. His ideas are surprisingly practical and speaking eloquently to the modern reader. Each idea is presented cogently in about two paragraphs of lucid text. A starting point of his philosophy is an understanding of that which is, and that which is not, under our control. However, Epictetus does not advocate a passive acceptance of fate, but advises clear-sightedness and purpose to guide us through life and its inevitable reverses. Like Socrates, Epictetus wrote nothing. The Discourses were informal lectures delivered in about 108 AD and were transcribed by his pupil Arrian. Within fifty years they were widely read, including by the philosopher Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This edition also contains Epictetus’ Enchiridion , a manual for life, and includes alternate translations to make the meaning of the original Greek clearer. The original Discourses ran to eight volumes, of which only four have survived. This selection gives a solid introduction to Epictetus. George Long has also translated The Mediations of Marcus Aurelius and Plutarch’s Lives, and written Decline of the Roman Empire. Epictetus (c.a. CE 5 - CE 135) was born a slave in present day Turkey in the Roman Empire. However, his master allowed him to study Stoic Philosophy, and he became one of the most respected philosophers of his time, being widely read and quoted by subsequent Stoics. He was a powerful speaker who could induce any emotion he wanted in his listener, and many eminent figures, including the Emperor Hadrian, sought his conversation. Despite lameness and persistent ill health, but perhaps due to his simple lifestyle and philosophy, he lived to an age of about 80 which was remarkable at the time.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics

118 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2020

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.