Epictetus was born in AD 50 in the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis - now Pamukkale in Turkey - as a slave in a wealthy household.
It is interesting to note the comparisons in background and life-story of the three Stoic writers most well known and popularised in modern times:
Epictetus's owner Epaphroditus, had also been a slave and worked as a secretary to the Emperor Nero and was subsequently freed by Nero for warning him about a coup against him..
Recognising the intellectual potential in the young Epictetus, Epaphroditus granted him permission to study and he became engaged with philosophy and was subsequently taught and mentored by the Stoic teacher Musonius Rufus.
Later, at age 18, Epictetus was granted his freedom shortly after emperor Nero’s death and for 25 years he taught philosophy in Rome. until the then emperor Domitian banished all philosophers in Rome.
Epictetus moved to Nicopolis, an important cultural centre in Greece, and established a school of philosophy and taught there until his death aged 85 in AD 135.
Epictetus’s teaching are captured and recorded in a four-volume work know to modern readers as "The Discourses" and the subsequent distilled summary version the "Enchiridion" or, literally translated, the "Handbook of Epictetus"
These books were not writen by Epictetus but were transcribed by the contemporary writer Arrian of Nicomedia who was a longtime student of his.
[1] Rationality is the foundation of what it is to be human
Rationality to make assessments and make conscious choice:
[2] We live in a rational universe run by a benign designer/creator god
[3] The freedom to choose
[4] Focus on things you can control, ignore the rest.
[5] Framing for emotional equilibrium
[6] “Love god [zeus] and love your fellow man”
[7] Establish your personal values
[8] The body is subservient to the mind
The Stanford University's Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides a succinct but comprehensive outline and review of the key themes of Epictetus.
Epictetus’ strong and wide-ranging influence can be seen in a number of wide ranging situations:
Other Articles On This Site Aligned With Epictetus
Supporting Material From Third Party Sources
From "The Daily Stoic":
From Massimo Pigliucci:
Return To: The Stoics
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