The art of living : the classic manual on virtue,

happiness, and effectiveness

by

Presents a new interpretation of first century's Epictetus' clearly stated guidelines for moral
progress and personal character development

"A tree clause book"--Title page verso

The spirit of Epictetus -- A manual for living: Invitation to the manual. Know what you can control
and what you can't -- Stick with your own business -- Recognize appearances for what they
really are -- Desire demands its own attainment -- See things for what they are -- Harmonize your
actions with the way life is -- Events don't hurt us, but our views of them can -- No shame, no
blame -- Create your own merit -- Focus on your main duty -- Accept events as they occur -- Your
will is always within your power -- Make full use of what happens to you -- Care for what you
happen to have -- The good life is the life of inner serenity -- Disregard what doesn't concern you
-- Conform your wishes to reality -- Approach life as a banquet -- Avoid adopting other people's
negative views -- Act well the part that is given to you -- Everything happens for a good reason --
Happiness can only be found within -- No one can hurt you -- Spiritual progress is made through
confronting death and calamity -- Implant in yourself the ideals you ought to cherish -- The
pursuit of wisdom attracts critics -- Seeking to please is a perilous trap -- Character matters more
than reputation

All advantages have their price -- Make the will of nature your own -- Self-mastery is our true aim
-- Treasure your mind, cherish your reason, hold to your purpose -- Consider what comes first,
then what follows, and then act -- Our duties are revealed by our relations with one another --
The essence of faithfulness -- Events are impersonal and indifferent -- Never suppress a
generous impulse -- Clearly define the person you want to be -- Speak only with good purpose --
Avoid most popular entertainment -- Be careful about the company you keep -- Take care of your
body -- Avoid casual sex -- Don't defend your reputation or intentions -- Conduct yourself with
dignity -- Emulate worthy role models -- Exercise discretion when conversing -- Prefer enduring
satisfaction to immediate gratification -- Take a stand -- Courtesy and logic each have their place
-- Self-mastery depends on self-honesty -- Safeguard your reason -- Observe proper proportion
and moderation -- Inner excellence matters more than outer appearance -- Care about your mind
more than your body -- Mistreatment comes from false impressions -- Everything has two
handles -- Clear thinking is vital -- Call things by their right names -- Wisdom is revealed through
action, not talk -- Live simply for your own sake -- Wisdom depends on vigilance -- Living wisdom
is more important than knowing about it -- Practicing principles matters more than proving them --
Start living your ideals

Essential teachings on virtue, happiness, and tranquility. Why be good? The soul's cry -- The real
purpose of philosophy -- The first step -- The flourishing life depends on self-sufficiency --
Starting out is hard -- Good is good -- Be suspicious of convention -- The virtuous are invincible --
Be a citizen of the world -- Consider your deepest yearnings merely as facts -- The right use of
books -- Exercise caution when mingling with others -- Forgive over and over and over -- The
virtuous are consistent -- Trust your moral intuitions -- Don't be angry at wrongdoers -- The only
prosperous life if the virtuous life -- Pursue the good ardently -- What is important and what isn't
-- Reason is supreme -- Learn to heal yourself -- Stay the course, in good weather and bad -- Be
grateful -- Never casually discuss important matters -- What makes us truly happy -- The power
of habit -- Caretake this moment
Includes bibliographical references

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