Description
The Enchiridion of Epictetus
An essential stoic book
The Enchiridion is a classic handbook by Epictetus is one of the foundations of Stoicism and gives strategies on how we can live a more fulfilled and less stressful life.
This concise book introduces Stoicism, gives a background to how it came to be and at its heart contains the teachings of the great philosopher Epictetus. The Enchiridion shows how we can deal the stress of modern life and come to terms with whatever situation we face.
A manual for living a better life.
Live better, minimise worries and avoid distractions by following the ideas and practices that Epictetus gives in this book.
In addition to the Enchiridion, this edition includes:
- A lecture given by Gilbert Murray on the Stoic Philosophy (Useful in providing a background and context to Stoicism)
- Further resources to read (online/offline) on learning to be a stoic
- Key summary points to living as a stoic
What is a stoic philosopher?
From its founding, Stoic doctrine was popular in Roman Greece and throughout the Roman Empire—including the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and mental strength as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows you to understand the universal reason. A primary aspect of Stoicism involves improving your well-being: "to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy," and to accept everyone as "equals of other men, because all men alike are products of nature."
The Enchiridion
Enchiridion is Greek for "that which is held in the hand". It is a manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus.
About Epictetus
Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. Epictetus believed that we should accept whatever happens to us, because we cannot control external events. What we can control is how we think about those events and our reactions to them. In so doing we calmly and clearly gain control over life instead of constantly being buffeted by crises.
Epictetus also believed individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline.
Were there any other Stoic Philosophers?
Prominent Stoics included Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor), Epictetus (Philosopher), Cicero (Roman Politician), Seneca (Philosopher) who wrote letters from a stoic, Zeno of Citium (Founder of the Stoic school in Athens). Stoicism became the foremost popular philosophy among the educated elite in the Hellenistic world and Roman Empire.
Quotes from Epictetus
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.
Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be carried, the other by which it cannot.
An essential stoic book
The Enchiridion is a classic handbook by Epictetus is one of the foundations of Stoicism and gives strategies on how we can live a more fulfilled and less stressful life.
This concise book introduces Stoicism, gives a background to how it came to be and at its heart contains the teachings of the great philosopher Epictetus. The Enchiridion shows how we can deal the stress of modern life and come to terms with whatever situation we face.
A manual for living a better life.
Live better, minimise worries and avoid distractions by following the ideas and practices that Epictetus gives in this book.
In addition to the Enchiridion, this edition includes:
- A lecture given by Gilbert Murray on the Stoic Philosophy (Useful in providing a background and context to Stoicism)
- Further resources to read (online/offline) on learning to be a stoic
- Key summary points to living as a stoic
What is a stoic philosopher?
From its founding, Stoic doctrine was popular in Roman Greece and throughout the Roman Empire—including the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and mental strength as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows you to understand the universal reason. A primary aspect of Stoicism involves improving your well-being: "to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy," and to accept everyone as "equals of other men, because all men alike are products of nature."
The Enchiridion
Enchiridion is Greek for "that which is held in the hand". It is a manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus.
About Epictetus
Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. Epictetus believed that we should accept whatever happens to us, because we cannot control external events. What we can control is how we think about those events and our reactions to them. In so doing we calmly and clearly gain control over life instead of constantly being buffeted by crises.
Epictetus also believed individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline.
Were there any other Stoic Philosophers?
Prominent Stoics included Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor), Epictetus (Philosopher), Cicero (Roman Politician), Seneca (Philosopher) who wrote letters from a stoic, Zeno of Citium (Founder of the Stoic school in Athens). Stoicism became the foremost popular philosophy among the educated elite in the Hellenistic world and Roman Empire.
Quotes from Epictetus
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.
Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be carried, the other by which it cannot.