Uncovering Preferred Choices of Preferred Individuals
In the heart of modern-day Turkey, around 55 CE, a prominent Stoic philosopher was born in the city of Hierapolis. Known as Epictetus, his name, which means "acquired one," was a fitting testament to his journey from humble origins to becoming a beacon of wisdom and resilience.
Born into slavery, Epictetus was sold to Epaphroditus, a powerful member of Nero's court. Despite the harsh conditions, Epictetus's spirit remained unbroken. He went on to study under the Stoic philosopher Gaius Musonius Rufus and later became a philosophy teacher to the best minds of his generation [2].
Epictetus's philosophy was rooted in the belief that individuals could govern their own reactions and attitudes, even in the face of external events beyond their control. He emphasized inner resilience and peace as a means to achieve true happiness and contribute to humanity's welfare [1]. His teachings, which centered on acceptance of divine providence, have left an indelible mark on history.
Though Epictetus did not write his philosophical works, they have been preserved through the writings of his student Arrian. The most renowned of these works are the "Discourses" and the "Encheiridion" (also known as the Manual), which encapsulate his Stoic principles and serve as enduring guides to Stoic ethics and practical philosophy [1].
This month, the platform is dedicating focus to Epictetus, making July "Epictetus Month." To celebrate, a guide titled "How To Read Epictetus" has been created to help readers understand and apply his teachings. This guide, designed to help readers get the most out of the Discourses and the Encheiridion, offers a unique opportunity [3].
For those interested, a Penguin Classics edition of Epictetus's Discourses is available, and bundling it with the How to Read Epictetus guide offers a 25% discount. As an added bonus, the guide unlocks access to a private LIVE Q&A session with Ryan Holiday on July 26th [3]. This Q&A session will work through Epictetus's key ideas, share insights, and learn from the questions and experiences of Stoics from around the world.
Epictetus is known as the ultimate symbol of human beings finding true freedom in the darkest of circumstances. His life story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, wisdom, and the human spirit.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Who | Stoic philosopher, former slave from Phrygia | | Era | c. 55 – c. 135 CE | | Influenced | Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius | | Philosophy | Stoicism, focusing on control over one's mind and acceptance of fate | | Most Renowned Works | The Discourses and the Encheiridion (Manual) |
These works remain highly influential in Stoic philosophy and continue to be studied for their insights into ethical living and mental resilience [1][3].
References: [1] Epictetus (2021). Epictetus. In Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2021/entries/epictetus/ [2] Epictetus (n.d.). Epictetus. In Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www.iep.utm.edu/epictetus/ [3] Epictetus Course (n.d.). Epictetus Course. Retrieved from https://www.epictetuscourse.com/
During his time, Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, emphasized the importance of personal growth and self-development in his philosophy. Despite being born into slavery, his teachings on inner resilience and acceptance of fate became enduring guides to Stoic ethics and practical philosophy, inspiring individuals for centuries.
As a testament to his teachings, the platform is dedicating July as "Epictetus Month," offering readers an opportunity to understand and apply his teachings through a guide titled "How To Read Epictetus." This guide serves as a unique chance to delve deeper into Epictetus's works and participate in a live Q&A session with Ryan Holiday on July 26th.
