Epictetus
Epictetus
If there’s one philosopher who truly embodied the idea that you can’t control what happens to you, only how you respond, it’s Epictetus. Born into slavery in the first century AD, he didn’t let his circumstances define him. Instead, he turned them into fuel for one of the most influential philosophical legacies in history. His master eventually freed him, and Epictetus dedicated his life to philosophy, setting up a school in Nicopolis where he taught the principles of Stoicism to anyone willing to listen. Unlike many philosophers, he didn’t focus on abstract theories—his philosophy was entirely practical, built for real life. His core message? External events are beyond your control, but your reactions, beliefs, and choices are entirely up to you.
What Can He Teach Me?
Epictetus’ philosophy is all about personal agency and mental resilience. Here’s what he can teach you:
- Focus on What You Can Control – Stop wasting energy on things outside your influence. Your thoughts and actions? Those are yours. The weather, other people’s opinions, bad luck? Let them go.
- Hardship Is an Opportunity – Epictetus believed adversity isn’t a setback but a test. Tough situations are where true character is built.
- Freedom Comes from Within – According to Epictetus, real freedom isn’t about status or wealth—it’s about mastering your own mind.
- Live by Your Principles – Philosophy isn’t just for debating; it’s for living. If your beliefs don’t shape your actions, they’re useless.
Notable Works
Epictetus never wrote anything down himself, but his student Arrian recorded his teachings, ensuring his wisdom survived the centuries. Here are the key works where we find his philosophy:
- Discourses – A collection of discussions covering everything from resilience to rationality. If you want Stoicism in action, this is where to start.
- Enchiridion (or The Handbook) – A condensed, no-nonsense guide to Stoicism. Think of it as a pocket-sized Stoic manual for everyday life.
Recent Blogs About Epictetus
Epictetus lived his philosophy, and so do we. Dive into these blogs to see where his ideas still shape modern thinking:
