Discourses and Selected Writings
Epictetus · 108
Philosophy
Stoic Wisdom from a Former Slave
Epictetus was born a slave and became one of the most influential philosophers of the ancient world. His Discourses, recorded by his student Arrian, present Stoic philosophy in vivid, conversational form. His central teaching — that we must distinguish between what is up to us and what is not — remains the foundation of Stoic practice.
Context & Background
Epictetus' life story gives his philosophy extraordinary credibility. A man who endured slavery and physical disability (his leg was broken by his master) developed a philosophy of inner freedom that has consoled and inspired people for nearly two thousand years. His teachings directly influenced Marcus Aurelius, who quotes him throughout the Meditations.
The dichotomy of control — the distinction between what is "up to us" (our judgments, desires, and actions) and what is "not up to us" (everything external) — is the foundation of Epictetus' Stoicism. Prohairesis (moral choice or volition) is the seat of the true self and the one thing that cannot be taken away. Role ethics — understanding and fulfilling our roles as citizens, parents, friends — provides practical moral guidance. Philosophical practice is a daily discipline, not mere theoretical knowledge.
Epictetus' influence is vast. His Enchiridion (handbook) was carried by soldiers and statesmen for centuries. James Stockdale credited Epictetus with helping him survive seven years as a POW in Vietnam. Albert Ellis drew on Epictetus in developing Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. The modern Stoicism movement regards his Discourses as essential reading alongside Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.
