Epictetus discourses chapters

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Epictetus discourses summary

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The Enchiridion of Epictetus, is written by Arrian of Nicodemia, but often attributed to Epictetus himself. Arrian was his student in philosophy who adapted the Discourses of Epictetus for this book, adding his own emphasis. Essentially Enchiridion is an ancient self-help book. In keeping with the philosophy of his master, Arrian describes stoicism through the lens of personal improvement and mental health, although he obviously does not employ these terms.

Arrian's take on his master's teachings is one of personal reconciliation on behalf of the individual to the reality of the external world. He begins the book with an explanation of what is within the individual's control and what is not. Basically only the mental sphere is open for the individual's manipulation. Everything else exists outside of the contr

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Discourses by Epictetus is a work that only survived thanks to a student named Arrian, who’s credited with transcribing the lessons he learned in Epictetus’ classroom at the beginning of the second century AD. Arrian wrote in a letter prior to the Discourses’ publishing, “whatever I used to hear him say I wrote down, word for word, as best I could, as a record for later use of his thought and frank expression.” A record he later used to achieve renown throughout Rome as a political advisor, military commander, and prolific author – work which includes the biography of Alexander the Great.

So who was his teacher? Considered among the big three in Stoic philosophy, along with Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Epictetus proves the application of stoicism useful to whatever fortunes one may be born. Aurelius was one of the most powerful men of his time and Seneca was one of the wealthiest of his. Epictetus was at the other end of the spectrum.

His given name is not known. Epictētos is Greek meaning “acquired.” Epictetus was born into slavery. Epictetus’ mention of his owner,

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Epictetus (c. 55 – 135 CE) was born as a slave in the Roman Empirebut obtained his freedom as a teenager. He studied Stoic philosophy from an early age, eventually lecturing on Stoicism in Rome. He was forced to leave the city in 89 CE after Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Italy. He then established his own school at Nicopolis on the Adriatic coast in Greece, where he taught and lectured until he died around 135. Today he is regarded as one of the preeminent Stoic philosophers.

The major compilation of Epictetus’ teaching is the four-volume work usually called the Discourses. (His other major work is the shorter Enchiridion, usually referred to as the Manual or Handbook. It is essentially an abridged edition of the Discourses.) However, the Discourses provide a better guide to the thought of Epictetus. I’ll use it as the basis for the following discussion.

His Theory of Reality & Human Nature

Epictetus believed that humans were rational beings living in a rational universe. He refers to the fundamental orderliness of all things, or t