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Epictetus_
A Greek philosopher of 1st and early 2nd centuries C.E., and an exponent of Stoic ethics notable for the
consistency and power of his ethical thought and for effective methods of teaching. Epictetus’s chief
concerns are with integrity, self-management, and personal freedom, which he advocates by demanding
of his students a thorough examination of two central ideas, the capacity he terms ‘volition’ (prohairesis)
and the correct use of impressions (chrēsis tōn phantasiōn), Heartfelt and satirical by turns, Epictetus has
had significant influence on the popular moralistic tradition, but he is more than a moralizer; his lucid re-
systematization and challenging application of Stoic ethics qualify him as an important philosopher in his
own right.

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The Discourses of Epictetus (Greek: Ἐπικτήτου διατριβαί, Epiktētou diatribai) are a series of

informal lectures by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus written down by his pupil Arrian around 108
AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical. He directs his students to focus attention on their
opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires, so that "they may never fail to get what they desire, nor fall into
what they avoid."

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The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus (Ancient Greek: Ἐγχειρίδιον Ἐπικτήτου, Enkheirídion

Epiktḗtou) is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the
Greek philosopher Epictetus. Although the content is mostly derived from the Discourses of Epictetus, it
is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts.
Eschewing metaphysics, Arrian focuses his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy to daily
life. Thus, the book is a manual to show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all
circumstances.

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Epictetus’ Stoicism

“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire,
aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property,
reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.” – Epictetus