Epictetus

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Epicteti Enchiridion Latinis versibus adumbratum (Oxford 1715) frontispiece

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born in Hierapolis, Phrygia, which is present-day Pamukkale, Turkey, and lived in Rome until his exile to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece. Despite being born into slavery, Epictetus became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers of his time. His teachings have been preserved in the works of his pupil, Arrian, through the Discourses and the Enchiridion.

Life

Little is known about the life of Epictetus. It is believed that he was born a slave because the name "Epictetus," meaning "acquired," suggests a slave's status. His early life in Rome was spent in the service of Epaphroditos, a wealthy freedman and secretary to Nero. Epictetus was eventually freed and began to teach philosophy in Rome around 93 AD. His teachings attracted many students, including Arrian, who later compiled his lectures into the Discourses and summarized his main ideas in the Enchiridion.

In 93 AD, Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Rome, and Epictetus settled in Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, where he founded a philosophical school. This school attracted many students from across the Roman Empire, drawn by Epictetus's reputation for wisdom and the practical nature of his philosophy.

Philosophy

Epictetus's philosophy is based on the principle that what happens to us is not as important as how we react to what happens. He believed that all external events are beyond our control; we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can control through self-discipline and rational thought.

A central theme of Epictetus's teaching is the distinction between what is in our power (our own will, beliefs, and actions) and what is not in our power (everything else, including our body, possessions, and reputation). He argued that happiness comes from focusing on what is in our power and accepting what is not.

Works

Epictetus himself wrote nothing, but his teachings were recorded by his pupil Arrian. The main sources of his philosophy are the four books of the Discourses and the Enchiridion, or "Handbook," which is a concise summary of his main ideas.

Legacy

Epictetus's teachings have had a lasting impact on Western thought. His Stoic ideas have influenced a wide range of philosophers and writers, from Marcus Aurelius to Rene Descartes, and continue to be relevant today in areas such as psychology and self-help.

See Also

• Stoicism
• Marcus Aurelius
• Seneca the Younger
• Zeno of Citium