Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Stoic philosopher whose teachings have had a profound impact on both ancient and modern thought.
Born into slavery, Epictetus rose above his circumstances to become one of the most respected philosophers of his time.
His teachings, which emphasize the importance of personal freedom, self-discipline, and living in accordance with nature, continue to resonate with those who seek practical guidance for living a virtuous and meaningful life.
Epictetus’s philosophy was not theoretical but deeply practical.
He taught that true freedom comes from mastering one’s desires and emotions and that the key to happiness lies in focusing on what is within our control.
His teachings have been preserved in the form of the Discourses and the Enchiridion (Handbook), both of which remain foundational texts in the study of Stoicism.
Early Life and Background
Epictetus was born around 50 AD in Hierapolis, a city in the Roman province of Phrygia (modern-day Turkey).
He was born into slavery, and little is known about his early life.
His name, which means “acquired” or “owned” in Greek, reflects his status as a slave.
As a young man, Epictetus was brought to Rome, where he became the property of Epaphroditus, a wealthy freedman who served as a secretary to the Roman Emperor Nero.
While in Rome, Epictetus was given permission to study philosophy, and he became a student of Musonius Rufus, a prominent Stoic philosopher.
Under Musonius’s guidance, Epictetus began to develop his philosophical views, focusing on ethics and the practical application of Stoic principles.
Despite his status as a slave, Epictetus was known for his intelligence and moral integrity.
Over time, he gained a reputation as a philosopher and was eventually granted his freedom.
After being freed, Epictetus continued to teach philosophy in Rome, attracting a wide circle of students.
Teachings of Epictetus
Epictetus’s teachings are deeply rooted in the Stoic tradition, with a focus on ethics, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of virtue.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Epictetus did not write down his teachings; instead, they were recorded by his student Arrian, who compiled them into the Discourses and the Enchiridion (Handbook).
The Dichotomy of Control
One of the central tenets of Epictetus’s philosophy is the distinction between what is within our control and what is not.
He taught that we should focus only on what we can control—our own thoughts, actions, and attitudes—and accept everything else as beyond our influence.
This concept, often referred to as the “dichotomy of control,” is a key element of Stoic practice.
Epictetus believed that by focusing on what is within our control, we can achieve inner peace and freedom from external circumstances.
He argued that our happiness and well-being depend not on external events, but on how we choose to respond to them.
The Importance of Virtue
Like other Stoics, Epictetus emphasized that virtue is the highest good and that living a virtuous life leads to true happiness.
He taught that virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are the foundation of a good life.
According to Epictetus, the practice of virtue is within our control, and it is through this practice that we align ourselves with the rational order of the universe.
Personal Responsibility
Epictetus placed a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, teaching that we are accountable for our own actions and decisions.
He argued that blaming others for our problems is a sign of weakness and that true strength comes from taking responsibility for our own lives.
This idea is closely related to the Stoic concept of self-mastery, which involves controlling our desires, emotions, and impulses.
The Role of Philosophy in Daily Life
For Epictetus, philosophy was not an abstract intellectual exercise but a practical guide for living.
He believed that philosophy should be applied to everyday life and that it should help us develop the strength of character to face life’s challenges with equanimity.
His teachings often took the form of practical advice on how to live in accordance with nature, how to deal with adversity, and how to cultivate inner peace.
Works of Epictetus
Although Epictetus himself did not write down his teachings, his student Arrian preserved them in two major works: the Discourses and the Enchiridion.
The Discourses
The Discourses consist of four books that record Epictetus’s lectures on a wide range of topics, including ethics, logic, and theology.
The Discourses provide a detailed account of Epictetus’s views on Stoic philosophy and offer practical advice on how to live a virtuous life.
The Discourses are known for their conversational style and for the directness with which Epictetus addresses his students.
Through these lectures, Epictetus sought to guide his students toward a deeper understanding of Stoic principles and to help them apply these principles in their daily lives.
The Enchiridion (Handbook)
The Enchiridion, also known as the Handbook, is a concise summary of Epictetus’s teachings.
It is often considered a manual for living a Stoic life and contains practical advice on how to cultivate virtue, control one’s emotions, and maintain inner peace.
The Enchiridion has been widely read and studied throughout history and remains one of the most accessible introductions to Stoic philosophy.
Notable Quotes by Epictetus
Epictetus’s teachings are rich with memorable quotes that encapsulate the essence of Stoic philosophy. Some of his most famous quotes include:
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
This quote reflects Epictetus’s belief in the importance of our responses to external events and the idea that our happiness depends on our attitudes and choices.
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
Here, Epictetus emphasizes the Stoic principle of self-mastery and the idea that true freedom comes from within.
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
This quote underscores the importance of setting clear intentions and taking deliberate action to achieve one’s goals.
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
In this quote, Epictetus highlights the Stoic value of simplicity and contentment with what we have.
Prominent Disciples and Influence
Epictetus’s teachings had a significant impact on both his contemporaries and later generations of philosophers. Some of his most notable disciples include:
Arrian:
As Epictetus’s student and recorder, Arrian played a crucial role in preserving Epictetus’s teachings for posterity.
Arrian later became a prominent historian and statesman, best known for his work The Anabasis of Alexander, a detailed account of Alexander the Great’s campaigns.
Marcus Aurelius:
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was deeply influenced by the teachings of Epictetus, which he studied throughout his life.
Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations reflect many of the Stoic principles taught by Epictetus, particularly the emphasis on self-discipline, inner peace, and the acceptance of fate.
Epictetus’s influence extended beyond his immediate disciples to later generations of philosophers and thinkers.
His ideas have been incorporated into various philosophical and religious traditions, including Christianity, where his emphasis on personal responsibility and inner freedom resonated with early Christian teachings.
In the modern era, Epictetus’s works have continued to be studied and admired by scholars, philosophers, and practitioners of Stoicism.
His teachings on the dichotomy of control, the importance of virtue, and the practical application of philosophy remain relevant and are often cited in discussions of personal development, resilience, and ethics.
Epictetus’s life and teachings exemplify the transformative power of philosophy.
Born into slavery, Epictetus rose above his circumstances to become one of the most influential Stoic philosophers of all time.
His emphasis on personal responsibility, self-discipline, and living in accordance with nature continues to inspire those seeking to live a virtuous and meaningful life.
Through the Discourses and the Enchiridion, Epictetus’s teachings have been preserved for posterity, offering timeless wisdom on how to navigate the challenges of life with equanimity and grace.
His ideas have shaped the development of Stoicism and have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy, influencing figures from Marcus Aurelius to contemporary thinkers.