The Discourses of Epictetus: BOOKS III and IV (illustrated)

by Epictetus, Arrian, R. Bigfield (Illustrator)

Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD.The new Stoic Classics edition consists of two volumes. This is Volume II, which includes the Books III and IV of an original four.The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical. He directs his students to focus attention on their opinions, anxieties, passions and desires. According to Epictetus 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 philosophy of Epictetus is well known in the U.S. military through the writings and example of James Stockdale, the 1992 vice presidential candidate and a fighter pilot who was shot down while serving in the Vietnam War. Stockdale credits Epictetus with helping him endure his seven and a half years in captivity, which included torture and four years in solitary confinement. When he was shot down, he reportedly said to himself "I'm leaving the world of technology and entering the world of Epictetus!" as he bailed out. Quoting Epictetus, Stockdale concludes the book The emotions of grief, pity, and even affection are well-known disturbers of the soul. Grief is the most offensive; Epictetus considered the suffering of grief an act of evil. It is a willful act, going against the will of God to have all men share happiness.The Discourses have been influential since they were written. They are referred to and quoted by Marcus Aurelius.Since the 16th century they have been translated into multiple languages and reprinted many times. The present text is translated by William Abbott Oldfather. An American classical scholar. He was influential for building strong academic traditions in classical studies at the University of Illinois and for his studies of ancient Locris in Greece.Also, this book is enhanced with hand-drawn illustrations by R. Bigfield to make the experience of reading these ancient texts more enjoyable and pleasant for a contemporary reader.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2012

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