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epictetus handbook: The Enchiridion Epictetus, 2024-10-26 The Enchiridion was well-known in the ancient world, and in the medieval period, it was specially adapted for use in Greek-speaking monasteries. In the 15th century it was translated into Latin, and then, with the advent of printing, into multiple European languages. It reached the height of popularity in the 17th century, in parallel with the Neostoicism movement. 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. Epictetus maintained that all people are free to control their lives and to live in harmony with nature. We will always be happy, he argued, if we learn to desire that things should be exactly as they are. Full of practical advice, this work offers guidelines for those seeking contentment. |
epictetus handbook: BuK #21 Epictetus, 2007-10 Eat your heart out, Dr. Phil. Though written some 2,000 years ago, this slim volume of stunningly simple, incalculably wise advice remains the best self-help manual ever published. |
epictetus handbook: The Handbook (The Encheiridion) Epictetus, Nicholas P. White, 1983-01-01 From the Introduction: Stoic philosophy, of which Epictetus (c. a.d. 50-130) is a representative, began as a recognizable movement around 300 b.c. Its founder was Zeno of Cytium (not to be confused with Zeno of Elea, who discovered the famous paradoxes). He was born in Cyprus about 336 b.c., but all of his philosophical activity took place in Athens. For more than 500 years Stoicism was one of the most influential and fruitful philosophical movements in the Graeco-Roman world. The works of the earlier Stoics survive only in fragmentary quotations from other authors, but from the Renaissance until well into the nineteenth century, Stoic ethical thought was one of the most important ancient influences on European ethics, particularly because of the descriptions of it by Cicero, through surviving works by the Stoics Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and also Epictetus--and also because of the effect that it had had in antiquity, and continued to have into the nineteenth century, on Christian ethical views. Nowadays an undergraduate or graduate student learning about ancient philosophy in a university course may well hear only about Plato and Aristotle, along perhaps with the presocratics; but in the history of Western thought and education this situation is somewhat atypical, and in most periods a comparable student would have learned as much or more about Stoicism, as well as two other major ancient philosophical movements, Epicureanism and Scepticism. In spite of this lack of explicit acquaintance with Stoic philosophers and their works, however, most students will recognize in Epictetus various ideas that are familiar through their effects on other thinkers, notably Spinoza, in our intellectual tradition. |
epictetus handbook: Epictetus' Handbook and the Tablet of Cebes Keith Seddon, 2006-05-02 This new translation presents two works, one by Epictetus and the other by Cebes, two ancient Greek philosophers of the Imperial period, in new translations of clear, straightforward English. In this book, readers will learn how to sustain emotional harmony and a ‘good flow of life’ whatever fortune may hold in store for them. This modern English translation of the complete Handbook is supported by and includes: * the first thorough commentary since that of Simplicius, 1500 years ago * a detailed introduction * extensive glossary * index of key terms * chapter-by-chapter discussion of themes * helpful tables that clarify Stoic ethical doctrines as a glance. Accompanying the Handbook is the Tablet of Cebes, a curious and engaging text. In complete contrast, yet complementing the Handbook’s more conventional philosophical presentation, the Tablet shows progress to philosophical wisdom as a journey through a landscape inhabited by personifications of happiness, fortune, the virtues and vices. |
epictetus handbook: Epictetus’ Handbook and the Tablet of Cebes Keith Seddon, 2006-05-02 This new translation presents two key works in clear, straightforward English. The text is preceded by a comprehensive overview of the ethics in the two works, and includes chapter-by-chapter discussion of key themes. |
epictetus handbook: Letters on Ethics Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 2015-11-20 “An exceptionally accessible” new translation of “the lively and urgent writings of one of classical antiquity’s most important ethicists” (Choice). The Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE) recorded his moral philosophy and reflections on life as a highly original kind of correspondence. Letters on Ethics includes vivid descriptions of town and country life in Nero’s Italy, discussions of poetry and oratory, and philosophical training for Seneca’s friend Lucilius. This volume, the first complete English translation in nearly a century, makes the Letters more accessible than ever before. Written as much for a general audience as for Lucilius, these engaging letters offer advice on how to deal with everything from nosy neighbors to sickness, pain, and death. Seneca uses the informal format of the letter to present the central ideas of Stoicism, for centuries the most influential philosophical system in the Mediterranean world. His lively and at times humorous expositions have made the Letters his most popular work and an enduring classic. Including an introduction and explanatory notes by Margaret Graver and A. A. Long, this authoritative edition will captivate a new generation of readers. |
epictetus handbook: Epictetus A. A. Long, 2002 A.A. Long, a leading scholar of later ancient philosophy, gives the definitive presentation of the thought of Epictetus for a broad readership, showing its continued relevance |
epictetus handbook: A Manual for Living Epictetus, 1994-06-23 The essence of perennial Stoic wisdom in aphorisms of stunning insight and simplicity. The West's first and best little instruction book offers thoroughly contemporary and pragmatic reflections on how best to live with serenity and joy. |
epictetus handbook: The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus, 1888 |
epictetus handbook: Art of Living Epictetus, Sharon Lebell, 2007-06-26 Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 ce in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Once freed, he established an influential school of Stoic philosophy, stressing that human beings cannot control life, only their responses to it. By putting into practice the ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, readers learn to meet the challenges of everyday life successfully and to face life's inevitable losses and disappointments with grace. |
epictetus handbook: Discourses and Selected Writings Epictetus, 2025-12-02 A new translation of the influential teachings of the great Stoic philosopher Despite being born into slavery, Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus became one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Discourses and Selected Writings is a transcribed collection of informal lectures given by the philosopher around AD 108. A gateway into the life and mind of a great intellectual, it is also an important example of the usage of Koine or “common” Greek, an ancestor to Standard Modern Greek. |
epictetus handbook: The Good Life Handbook Chuck Chakrapani, 2018-10-31 The Good Life Handbook is a rendering of Enchiridion in plain English. It is a concise summary of the teachings of Epictetus, as transcribed and later summarized by his student Flavius Arrian. The Handbook is a guide to the good life. It answers the question, How can we be good and live free and happy, no matter what else is happening around us? Ancient Stoics lived in a time of turmoil under difficult conditions. So, the solutions they found to living free were tested under very stringent conditions. For example, the author of this Handbook was a lame slave who made himself free and happy later in life by following the principles set out in this book. Now The Stoic Gym offers The Good Life Handbook by Dr Chuck Chakrapani to interested readers in this handy pocket edition. Please get your copy in your favorite online bookstore. |
epictetus handbook: The Daily Stoic Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman, 2016-10-18 From the team that brought you The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, a daily devotional of Stoic meditations—an instant Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller. Why have history's greatest minds—from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with today's top performers from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities—embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the playwright Seneca, or slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, as well as lesser-known luminaries like Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. Every day of the year you'll find one of their pithy, powerful quotations, as well as historical anecdotes, provocative commentary, and a helpful glossary of Greek terms. By following these teachings over the course of a year (and, indeed, for years to come) you'll find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well. |
epictetus handbook: The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus, 2021-10-19 The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus - The books did not have a formal title in ancient times. Although Simplicius called them Diatribai other writers gave them titles such as Dialexis , and Homiliai . The modern name comes from the titles given in the earliest medieval manuscript: Arrian's Diatribai of Epictetus . The Greek word Diatribai literally means informal talks.As to the date, it is generally agreed that the Discourses were composed sometime in the years around 108 AD. Epictetus himself refers to the coins of Trajan, which shows he was teaching during that reign. Arrian was suffect consul in around 130, and since forty-two was the standard age for that position, he would have been at the right age of around twenty in 108. Furthermore the commissioner of the free cities to whom Discourse iii. 7 is addressed is thought to be the same man Pliny the Younger addresses his Letter viii. 24a letter which has been dated to around 108. |
epictetus handbook: The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic Tradition John Sellars, 2016-02-12 The ancient philosophy of stoicism has been a crucial and formative influence on the development of Western thought since its inception through to the present day. It is not only an important area of study in philosophy and classics, but also in theology and literature. The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic Tradition is the first volume of its kind, and an outstanding guide and reference source to the nature and continuing significance of stoicism. Comprising twenty-six chapters by a team of international contributors and organised chronologically, the Handbook is divided into four parts: Antiquity and the Middle Ages, including stoicism in Rome; stoicism in early Christianity; the Platonic response to stoicism; and stoic influences in the late Middle Ages Renaissance and Reformation, addressing the impact of stoicism on the Italian Renaissance, Reformation thought, and early modern English literature including Shakespeare Early Modern Europe, including stoicism and early modern French thought; the stoic influence on Spinoza and Leibniz; stoicism and the French and Scottish Enlightenment; and Kant and stoic ethics The Modern World, including stoicism in nineteenth century German philosophy; stoicism in Victorian culture; stoicism in America; stoic themes in contemporary Anglo-American ethics; and the stoic influence on modern psychotherapy. An invaluable resource for anyone interested in the philosophical history and impact of stoic thought, The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic Tradition is essential reading for all students and researchers working on the subject. |
epictetus handbook: The Handbook Epictetus Epictetus, 2012-10 No writings of Epictetus himself are really known. His discourses were transcribed and compiled by his pupil Arrian (author of the Anabasis Alexandri). The main work is The Discourses, four books of which have been preserved (out of an original eight). Arrian also compiled a popular digest, entitled the Enchiridion, or Handbook. In a preface to the Discourses, addressed to Lucius Gellius, Arrian states that whatever I heard him say I used to write down, word for word, as best I could, endeavouring to preserve it as a memorial, for my own future use, of his way of thinking and the frankness of his speech. |
epictetus handbook: The Enchiridion Epictetus, 2023-10-12 The Enchiridion by Epictetus is a profound philosophical treatise that delves into the principles of Stoicism. Epictetus's insights and teachings offer readers a guide to leading a life of virtue, wisdom, and inner peace, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking spiritual and philosophical enlightenment. |
epictetus handbook: The Handbook of Epictetus Epictetus, 2012-11-01 Handbook of Epictetus also known as Enchiridion written by legendary Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus is a manual of Stoic ethical advice. Compiled by Arrian, who was a student of Epictetus this great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, the Handbook of Epictetus is required reading for various courses and curriculums. |
epictetus handbook: A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion Epictetus, 2018-09-21 Reproduction of the original: A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion by Epictetus |
epictetus handbook: Discourses, Fragments, Handbook Epictetus, 2014-02-13 'About things that are within our power and those that are not.' Epictetus's Discourses have been the most widely read and influential of all writings of Stoic philosophy, from antiquity onwards. They set out the core ethical principles of Stoicism in a form designed to help people put them into practice and to use them as a basis for leading a good human life. Epictetus was a teacher, and a freed slave, whose discourses have a vivid informality, animated by anecdotes and dialogue. Forceful, direct, and challenging, their central message is that the basis of happiness is up to us, and that we all have the capacity, through sustained reflection and hard work, of achieving this goal. They still speak eloquently to modern readers seeking meaning in their own lives. This is the only complete modern translation of the Discourses, together with the Handbook or manual of key themes, and surviving fragments. Robin Hard's accurate and accessible translation is accompanied by Christopher Gill's full introduction and comprehensive notes. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. |
epictetus handbook: Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion' Scott Aikin, William O. Stephens, 2023-05-18 For anyone approaching the Encheiridion of Epictetus for the first time, this book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding a complex philosophical text. Including a full translation and clear explanatory commentaries, Epictetus's 'Encheiridion' introduces readers to a hugely influential work of Stoic philosophy. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens unravel the core themes of Stoic ethics found within this ancient handbook. Focusing on the core themes of self-control, seeing things as they are, living according to nature, owning one's roles and fulfilling the responsibilities that those roles entail, the authors elucidate the extremely challenging ideas in Epictetus's brisk chapters. Divided into five distinct parts, this book provides readers with: - A new translation of the Encheiridion by William O. Stephens. - A new introduction to ancient Stoicism, its system of concepts, and the ancient figures who shaped it. - A fresh treatment of the notorious and counter-intuitive 'Stoic paradoxes'. - An accessible overview of the origin and historical context of the Encheiridion. - Detailed commentaries on each chapter of the Encheiridion that clarify its recurring themes and highlight their interconnections. - Careful attention to the presentation of the arguments embedded in Epictetus's aphoristic style. - A thoughtful discussion of serious criticisms of Epictetus's Stoicism and replies to these objections. Written with clarity and authority, Epictetus's 'Encheiridion' provides a foundation from which readers can understand this important text and engage with the fundamental questions of Stoic philosophy and ethics. This guide will aid teachers of Epictetus, students encountering Stoicism for the first time, and readers seeking a greater understanding of Stoic ethics. |
epictetus handbook: On Epictetus' "Handbook 1-26" Simplicius (of Cilicia.), 2002 |
epictetus handbook: How To Be Free Epictetus, 2018-10-30 Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison ... Freedom, for Epictetus, is not a human right or a political prerogative but a psychological and ethical achievement, a gift that we alone can bestow on ourselves ... How to Be Free features splendid new translations and the original Greek on facing pages, a compelling introduction that sets Epictetus in context and describes the importance of Stoic freedom today, and an invaluable glossary of key words and concepts. The result is an unmatched introduction to this powerful method of managing emotions and handling life's situations, from the most ordinary to the most demanding.--Provided by the publisher. |
epictetus handbook: The Routledge Handbook of Neoplatonism Svetla Slaveva-Griffin, Pauliina Remes, 2014-07-25 The Routledge Handbook of Neoplatonism is an authoritative and comprehensive survey of the most important issues and developments in one of the fastest growing areas of research in ancient philosophy. An international team of scholars situates and re-evaluates Neoplatonism within the history of ancient philosophy and thought, and explores its influence on philosophical and religious schools worldwide. Over thirty chapters are divided into seven clear parts: (Re)sources, instruction and interaction Methods and Styles of Exegesis Metaphysics and Metaphysical Perspectives Language, Knowledge, Soul, and Self Nature: Physics, Medicine and Biology Ethics, Political Theory and Aesthetics The legacy of Neoplatonism. The Routledge Handbook of Neoplatonism is a major reference source for all students and scholars in Neoplatonism and ancient philosophy, as well as researchers in the philosophy of science, ethics, aesthetics and religion. |
epictetus handbook: Verissimus Donald J. Robertson, 2022-07-12 In the tradition of Logicomix, Donald J. Robertson's Verissimus is a riveting graphic novel on the life and stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius was the last famous Stoic of antiquity but he was also to become the most powerful man in the known world – the Roman emperor. After losing his father at an early age, he threw himself into the study of philosophy. The closest thing history knew to a philosopher-king, yet constant warfare and an accursed plague almost brought his empire to its knees. “Life is warfare”, he wrote, “and a sojourn in foreign land!” One thing alone could save him: philosophy, the love of wisdom! The remarkable story of Marcus Aurelius’ life and philosophical journey is brought to life by philosopher and psychotherapist Donald J. Robertson, in a sweeping historical epic of a graphic novel, based on a close study of the historical evidence, with the stunning full-color artwork of award-winning illustrator Zé Nuno Fraga. |
epictetus handbook: The Oxford Handbook of English Prose, 1640-1714 , 2024-10-23 The Oxford Handbook of English Prose, 1640-1714 is the most wide-ranging overview available of prose writing in English during one of the most tumultuous periods in British and Irish history. Stretching from the outbreak of the English Civil Wars to the death of Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch, the volume is unprecedented in the breadth of its coverage of an age in which prose moved from the margins of cultural life in Britain to its centre. The volume also breaks new ground in the diversity of the prose writing it covers: its thirty-six chapters by an array of established literary critics and historians capture the excitingly multiple forms that prose took in what was a golden age for non-fictional writing, but which also saw the emergence of modes of prose fiction that became part of the origin story of the eighteenth-century novel. This Handbook reflects that multiplicity and diversity in its structure. Four longer introductory chapters map the changing contexts of the publication and reception of prose in the period, as well as the influence of the classical heritage and the role of relations with continental Europe. The subsequent thirty-two chapters are organized by different categories of prose writing. The contributors approach key authors and texts from various and often unconventional perspectives. The volume offers coverage of well-known writers and texts while also capturing the assortment of prose writing in a time of rapid political and social change: there are chapters on, for example, 'Bites and Shams'; 'Circulation Narratives'; 'Keys'; 'Pornography'; 'Recipe Books'; 'True Accounts', and even 'Handbooks'. |
epictetus handbook: The Discourses of Epictetus and the Enchiridion (Deluxe Library Binding) Epictetus, 2020-12-15 The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of practical informal lectures. Epictetus directs his students to focus attention on their opinions, anxieties and desires so they may never fail to get what they desire. Also included is the Enchiridion. |
epictetus handbook: Stillness Is the Key Ryan Holiday, 2019-10-01 Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller & Wall Street Journal Bestseller In The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, bestselling author Ryan Holiday made ancient wisdom wildly popular with a new generation of leaders in sports, politics, and technology. In his new book, Stillness Is the Key, Holiday draws on timeless Stoic and Buddhist philosophy to show why slowing down is the secret weapon for those charging ahead. All great leaders, thinkers, artists, athletes, and visionaries share one indelible quality. It enables them to conquer their tempers. To avoid distraction and discover great insights. To achieve happiness and do the right thing. Ryan Holiday calls it stillness--to be steady while the world spins around you. In this book, he outlines a path for achieving this ancient, but urgently necessary way of living. Drawing on a wide range of history's greatest thinkers, from Confucius to Seneca, Marcus Aurelius to Thich Nhat Hanh, John Stuart Mill to Nietzsche, he argues that stillness is not mere inactivity, but the doorway to self-mastery, discipline, and focus. Holiday also examines figures who exemplified the power of stillness: baseball player Sadaharu Oh, whose study of Zen made him the greatest home run hitter of all time; Winston Churchill, who in balancing his busy public life with time spent laying bricks and painting at his Chartwell estate managed to save the world from annihilation in the process; Fred Rogers, who taught generations of children to see what was invisible to the eye; Anne Frank, whose journaling and love of nature guided her through unimaginable adversity. More than ever, people are overwhelmed. They face obstacles and egos and competition. Stillness Is the Key offers a simple but inspiring antidote to the stress of 24/7 news and social media. The stillness that we all seek is the path to meaning, contentment, and excellence in a world that needs more of it than ever. |
epictetus handbook: The Manual Sam Torode, Epictetus, Ancient Renewal, 2017-05-11 If it is beyond your power to control, let it go.Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things.In this way, you will overcome life's challenges, rather than be overcome by them. Epictetus (c. AD 50-135) was a former Roman slave who became a great teacher, deeply influencing the future emperor Marcus Aurelius among many others. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical--aimed at relieving human suffering here and now. Epictetus knew suffering--besides being enslaved, he was lame in one leg and walked with a crutch. The Manual is a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by one of his students. It is the most accessible and actionable guide to Stoic philosophy, as relevant today as it was in the Roman Empire.This new edition, published by Ancient Renewal, is rendered in contemporary English by Sam Torode. |
epictetus handbook: Slave and Sage: Remarks on the Stoic Handbook of Epictetus William Ferraiolo, 2021-05-28 'Epictetus Handbook is the best extant account of ancient Stoicism, and it still ranks as one of the most useful self-help manuals in today’s world. Through relatable contemporary applications and accessible explanations, Dr. Ferraiolo guides the reader reliably through all of the sayings in the Handbook to bring out their core meaning, which can be obscured by references to ancient social customs, events and philosophers.' Lou Matz, Professor of Philosophy, University of the Pacific In Slave and Sage William Ferraiolo distills and reanimates the original spirit of Epictetus’ Enchiridion for a 21st century audience, and shows how the lessons Epictetus offered are more relevant than ever to modern life. Much like the original stoics, Ferraiolo's work prides itself on a combination of erudition and accessibility, to teach and counsel every reader. This little gem of philosophical insight will help you dig down into the best wisdom of the ancient Stoic philosopher, Epictetus, and see how it can apply powerfully in our lives today. Highly recommended. Tom Morris, author of The Stoic Art of Living |
epictetus handbook: The Handbook (The Encheiridion) Epictetus, 1983-06-01 From the Introduction: Stoic philosophy, of which Epictetus (c. a.d. 50–130) is a representative, began as a recognizable movement around 300 b.c. Its founder was Zeno of Cytium (not to be confused with Zeno of Elea, who discovered the famous paradoxes). He was born in Cyprus about 336 b.c., but all of his philosophical activity took place in Athens. For more than 500 years Stoicism was one of the most influential and fruitful philosophical movements in the Graeco-Roman world. The works of the earlier Stoics survive only in fragmentary quotations from other authors, but from the Renaissance until well into the nineteenth century, Stoic ethical thought was one of the most important ancient influences on European ethics, particularly because of the descriptions of it by Cicero, through surviving works by the Stoics Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and also Epictetus--and also because of the effect that it had had in antiquity, and continued to have into the nineteenth century, on Christian ethical views. Nowadays an undergraduate or graduate student learning about ancient philosophy in a university course may well hear only about Plato and Aristotle, along perhaps with the presocratics; but in the history of Western thought and education this situation is somewhat atypical, and in most periods a comparable student would have learned as much or more about Stoicism, as well as two other major ancient philosophical movements, Epicureanism and Scepticism. In spite of this lack of explicit acquaintance with Stoic philosophers and their works, however, most students will recognize in Epictetus various ideas that are familiar through their effects on other thinkers, notably Spinoza, in our intellectual tradition. |
epictetus handbook: The Stoics: A Guide for the Perplexed Mark Holowchak, 2008-06-22 An introduction to the Stoics, ideal for undergraduate students taking courses in Ethics and Ancient Philosophy. |
epictetus handbook: The Lessons of History Will Durant, Ariel Durant, 2012-08-21 A concise survey of the culture and civilization of mankind, The Lessons of History is the result of a lifetime of research from Pulitzer Prize–winning historians Will and Ariel Durant. With their accessible compendium of philosophy and social progress, the Durants take us on a journey through history, exploring the possibilities and limitations of humanity over time. Juxtaposing the great lives, ideas, and accomplishments with cycles of war and conquest, the Durants reveal the towering themes of history and give meaning to our own. |
epictetus handbook: The Role Ethics of Epictetus Brian E. Johnson, 2013-12-04 The Role Ethics of Epictetus: Stoicism in Ordinary Life offers an original interpretation of Epictetus’s ethics and how he bases his ethics on an appeal to our roles in life. Epictetus believes that every individual is the bearer of many roles from sibling to citizen and that individuals are morally good if they fulfill the obligations associated with these roles. To understand Epictetus’s account of roles, scholars have often mistakenly looked backwards to Cicero’s earlier and more schematic account of roles. However, for Cicero, roles are merely a tool in the service of the virtue of decorum where decorum is one of the four canonical virtues—prudence, justice, greatness of spirit, and decorum. In contrast, Epictetus sets those virtues aside and offers roles as a complete ethical theory that does the work of those canonical virtues. This book elucidates the unique features of Epictetus’s role based ethics. First, individuals have many roles and these roles are substantial enough that they may conflict. Second, although Epictetus is often taken to have only a sparse theory of appropriate action (or “duty” in older translations), Brian E. Johnson examines the criteria by which appropriate action is measured in order to demonstrate that Epictetus does have an account of appropriate action and that it is grounded in his account of roles. Finally, Epictetus downplays the Stoic ideal of the sage and replaces that figure with role-bound individuals who are supposed to inspire each of us to meet the challenges of our own roles. Instead of looking to sages, who have a perfect knowledge and action that we must imitate, Epictetus’s new ethical heroes are those we do not imitate in terms of knowledge or action, but simply in the way they approach the challenges of their roles. The analysis found in The Role Ethics of Epictetus will be of great value both to students and scholars of ancient philosophy, ethics and moral philosophy, history, classics, and theology, and to the educated reader who admires Epictetus. |
epictetus handbook: Lives of the Stoics Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman, 2020-09-29 Instant New York Times Advice & Business Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller! A New York Times Noteworthy Pick and a stellar work by Publishers Weekly From the bestselling authors of The Daily Stoic comes an inspiring guide to the lives of the Stoics, and what the ancients can teach us about happiness, success, resilience and virtue. Nearly 2,300 years after a ruined merchant named Zeno first established a school on the Stoa Poikile of Athens, Stoicism has found a new audience among those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. It's no wonder; the philosophy and its embrace of self-mastery, virtue, and indifference to that which we cannot control is as urgent today as it was in the chaos of the Roman Empire. In Lives of the Stoics, Holiday and Hanselman present the fascinating lives of the men and women who strove to live by the timeless Stoic virtues of Courage. Justice. Temperance. Wisdom. Organized in digestible, mini-biographies of all the well-known--and not so well-known--Stoics, this book vividly brings home what Stoicism was like for the people who loved it and lived it, dusting off powerful lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. More than a mere history book, every example in these pages, from Epictetus to Marcus Aurelius--slaves to emperors--is designed to help the reader apply philosophy in their own lives. Holiday and Hanselman unveil the core values and ideas that unite figures from Seneca to Cato to Cicero across the centuries. Among them are the idea that self-rule is the greatest empire, that character is fate; how Stoics benefit from preparing not only for success, but failure; and learn to love, not merely accept, the hand they are dealt in life. A treasure of valuable insights and stories, this book can be visited again and again by any reader in search of inspiration from the past. |
epictetus handbook: Memorize the Stoics! Kevin Vost, 2022-03-22 Memorize the Stoics! The Ancient Art of Memory Meets the Timeless Art of Living. The title says it all! Extolling the powers of God-given human reason, Stoic philosophers such as Roman knight Musonius Rufus and his student, the former slave, Epictetus, developed powerful practical lessons for living tranquil, virtuous, loving lives. These lessons were praised by such early Church Fathers as Justin Martyr and Origen. Epictetus's Handbook was later adapted as a moral guidebook for monks. A millennium later, Thomas Aquinas mined the Stoic Seneca's lessons on anger, gratitude, patience, and more for use in his Summa Theologiae. And in our own day, the psychological and moral teachings of the Stoics constitute an art of living that fairly cries out to act as compass for the nearly rudderless boat of our disordered contemporary world. But still, it is hard to live out important life lessons if you cannot remember them! In those same early centuries before and after Christ, Greeks like Simonides and Romans like Cicero championed a specialized art of memory. Early Church Fathers such as Augustine and Jerome championed this also, as did, centuries later, Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas. The unique virtue of Kevin Vost's book is its wedding of the ancient art of memory to the timeless art of living. In his Handbook, Epictetus exhorts us to remember his lessons a full dozen times, and in his own book Vost shows us how to do just this, thereby opening our eyes to unrecognized powers of imagination and memory, and to unrecognized capacities for controlling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Even so, the Stoics would not mind at all if you found this exercise of imagination and intellect a rather fun thing to do. Enjoy! |
epictetus handbook: The Enchiridion Epictetus, 2016-09-16 Who says life has no handbook? The Enchiridion is a short handbook of advicefor living a good ife compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. This edition, translated by Elizabeth Carter, is 4 by 6 inches, 50 pages, making it small enough to fit easily in a pocket or purse. The font size is 12 point for easier reading. Next time you're stuck in line you can pull it out for a good dose of tranquility. |
epictetus handbook: The Enchiridion : The Enchiridion Or Handbook of Epictetus Is A Short Manual of Stoic Ethical Advice Compiled by Arrian. Epictetus, 2023-10-01 Embrace Stoic wisdom with The Enchiridion by Epictetus, compiled by Arrian Delve into the timeless wisdom of Epictetus in The Enchiridion, a concise manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian. Explore Epictetus's teachings on resilience, virtue, and the art of living a meaningful life in harmony with nature and reason. Discover practical insights on overcoming adversity, managing emotions, and embracing personal freedom through Stoic principles. Whether you're navigating life's challenges or seeking inner peace, Epictetus's guidance offers a philosophical framework for living with integrity and purpose. Engage with Epictetus's profound reflections on ethics and virtue, and uncover the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy in cultivating resilience and wisdom in everyday life. |
epictetus handbook: The Enchiridion Epictetus, 2018-02-13 The Enchiridion or Manual of Epictetus (enchiridion is Greek for that which is held in the hand) is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. |
epictetus handbook: The Book of Life Gay Hendricks, Philip Johncock, 2006-06 The Book of Life is a new rendering of one of the most influential transformational books in human history. Originally collected by the students of Epictetus, the most famous teacher of conscious living in turbulent first-century Rome, this book presents a brilliantly simple formula for resolving the most complex problems of psychological and spiritual growth. The bold goal of Epictetus' teachings is to give the seeker a reliable way to experience happiness amidst all the ups and downs of human existence. The essence of the book is contained in its first sentence and is echoed throughout: Misery comes from trying to control things that you are powerless to control, and happiness comes from correctly placing your attention on things you can control. Although there have been many versions of this master-work throughout the centuries, the current rendition aims for something new: an experiential, whole-person understanding so that the reader can feel as well as contemplate its wisdom.*Includes a meditative CD |
Epictetus - Wikipedia
Epictetus (/ ˌɛpɪkˈtiːtəs /, EH-pick-TEE-təss; [3] Ancient Greek: Ἐπίκτητος, Epíktētos; c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. [4][5] He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia …
Epictetus | Stoic Philosophy, Enchiridion & Discourses | Britannica
Epictetus (born ad 55, probably at Hierapolis, Phrygia [now Pamukkale, Turkey]—died c. 135, Nicopolis, Epirus [Greece]) was a Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, remembered …
Epictetus - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Dec 23, 2008 · A Greek philosopher of 1 st and early 2 nd centuries C.E., and an exponent of Stoic ethics notable for the consistency and power of his ethical thought and for effective …
Who Is Epictetus? From Slave To World's Most Sought After …
Epictetus was born nearly 2,000 years ago in Hierapolis (present-day Pamukkale in Turkey) as a slave in a wealthy household. Epaphroditus, his owner, gave him the permission to pursue …
The Life and Teachings of Epictetus - The Stoic Way
Oct 1, 2024 · Epictetus: ‘You create your own misery, but go off, I guess.’ Epictetus’s journey from slavery to philosophical mastery is a testament to the power of the human spirit. His teachings …
Epictetus - Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Epictetus (pronounced Epic-TEE-tus) was an exponent of Stoicism who flourished in the early second century C.E. about four hundred years after the Stoic school of Zeno of Citium was …
Epictetus - World History Encyclopedia
Apr 28, 2011 · Epictetus (l.c. 50 - c. 130 CE) was a Stoic philosopher best known for his works The Enchiridion (the handbook) and his Discourses, both foundational works in Stoic …
Epictetus.Com
Epictetus lived by the principles which he taught. He was a virtuous man. He believed that every person is responsible for what good or evil happens to them. Only what a person controls …
Who was Epictetus: From Slave to Philosopher - Via Stoica
Jan 10, 2024 · Epictetus (55 – 135 AD) is one of the most famous Roman-era Stoic philosophers whose teachings have survived the test of time. But his full story makes it even more …
The Life of Epictetus - Psychology Today
Jun 29, 2024 · Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, taught focus on what you can control and accept what you cannot. After gaining his freedom from slavery, he opened his school and taught the …
Epictetus - Wikipedia
Epictetus (/ ˌɛpɪkˈtiːtəs /, EH-pick-TEE-təss; [3] Ancient Greek: Ἐπίκτητος, Epíktētos; c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. [4][5] He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia …
Epictetus | Stoic Philosophy, Enchiridion & Discourses | Britannica
Epictetus (born ad 55, probably at Hierapolis, Phrygia [now Pamukkale, Turkey]—died c. 135, Nicopolis, Epirus [Greece]) was a Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, remembered …
Epictetus - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Dec 23, 2008 · A Greek philosopher of 1 st and early 2 nd centuries C.E., and an exponent of Stoic ethics notable for the consistency and power of his ethical thought and for effective …
Who Is Epictetus? From Slave To World's Most Sought After …
Epictetus was born nearly 2,000 years ago in Hierapolis (present-day Pamukkale in Turkey) as a slave in a wealthy household. Epaphroditus, his owner, gave him the permission to pursue …
The Life and Teachings of Epictetus - The Stoic Way
Oct 1, 2024 · Epictetus: ‘You create your own misery, but go off, I guess.’ Epictetus’s journey from slavery to philosophical mastery is a testament to the power of the human spirit. His teachings …
Epictetus - Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Epictetus (pronounced Epic-TEE-tus) was an exponent of Stoicism who flourished in the early second century C.E. about four hundred years after the Stoic school of Zeno of Citium was …
Epictetus - World History Encyclopedia
Apr 28, 2011 · Epictetus (l.c. 50 - c. 130 CE) was a Stoic philosopher best known for his works The Enchiridion (the handbook) and his Discourses, both foundational works in Stoic …
Epictetus.Com
Epictetus lived by the principles which he taught. He was a virtuous man. He believed that every person is responsible for what good or evil happens to them. Only what a person controls …
Who was Epictetus: From Slave to Philosopher - Via Stoica
Jan 10, 2024 · Epictetus (55 – 135 AD) is one of the most famous Roman-era Stoic philosophers whose teachings have survived the test of time. But his full story makes it even more …
The Life of Epictetus - Psychology Today
Jun 29, 2024 · Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, taught focus on what you can control and accept what you cannot. After gaining his freedom from slavery, he opened his school and taught the …