Books by Epictetus

Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature. In this personal, practical guide to the ethics of stoicism and moral self-improvement, Epictetus tackles questions of freedom and imprisonment, illness and fear, family, friendship and love, and leaves an intriguing document of daily life in the classical world.

This is the only complete modern translation of Epictetus's Discourses, together with the Handbook and fragments. A major work of Stoic practical ethics, the Discourses teach that the basis of happiness is up to us. This accessible new translation is accompanied by a full introduction and thorough notes.

Although he was born into slavery and endured a permanent physical disability, Epictetus maintained that all people are free to control their lives and to live in harmony with nature. We will always be happy, he argued, if we learn to desire that things should be exactly as they are. After attaining his freedom, Epictetus spent his entire career teaching philosophy and advising a daily regimen of self-examination. His pupil Arrianus later collected and published the master's lecture notes; the Enchiridion, or Manual, is a distillation of Epictetus' teachings and an instructional manual for a tranquil life. Full of practical advice, this work offers guidelines for those seeking contentment as well as for those who have already made some progress in that direction. Translated by George Long.

In this personal and practical guide to moral self-improvement and living a good life, the second-century philosopher Epictetus tackles questions of freedom and imprisonment, stubbornness and fear, family, friendship and love, and leaves an intriguing document of daily life in the classical world.GREAT IDEAS. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

‘300 Quotations from the Stoic Philosophers’ is a collection of insightful, educational, and inspiring quotes from some of the greatest ever Stoic philosophers, such as Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, and Marcus Aurelius.Founded in Athens in the 3rd century BC, Stoicism is a school of philosophy which centres around the belief that the practice of virtue is both necessary and sufficient to achieve happiness.Stoicism remains an important and influential school of thought, thus making this collection highly relevant for people who need some extra philosophical guidance.Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman philosopher and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, the golden age of Roman peace and imperialism.Epictetus (50-135 AD), was an Ancient Greek philosopher born into slavery.Seneca the Younger (4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.

‘400 Quotations from Ancient Roman Philosophers’ is a collection of quotes from Ancient Rome’s greatest philosophers, whose unparalleled wit and wisdom still resonate today.This carefully crafted compilation includes the great minds of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Cicero, and Seneca the Younger, and is guaranteed to educate and entertain.‘400 Quotations from Ancient Roman Philosophers’ is ideal for those needing a bit of extra philosophical guidance.Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman emperor and philosopher. He was the last emperor of the Pax Romana. Epictetus (50-135 AD) was a Greek philosopher who was renowned for his teachings about determinism and moral responsibility.Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman statesman, scholar and philosopher and he is considered one of Rome's greatest orators. Seneca the Younger (4 BC–65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.

While wisdom is something to be accrued through experience and knowledge, ‘500 Quotes to Learn Wisdom from Classical Greek Philosophers’ offers a shortcut.Dipping into the minds of some of the most revered thinkers of Ancient Greece, this book is packed with insights, reflections, and observations sure to inspire and stimulate thought.A superb gift for anyone with an inquiring mind.Considered one of the founders of Western and Greek philosophy, Plato (243 BC – 347 BC) was born in Athens. Many of his works are still studied to this day. Born in Stagira, Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) had a different take on philosophy. The founder of the peripatetic school, his doctrines are based on asking ‘why?’, before drawing conclusions.A former slave, Epictetus (50 AD – C 135) went on to promote philosophy as a way of life, rather than a set of beliefs. Credited as one of the fathers of Western philosophy, Socrates (470 BC – 399 BC) brought morality and ethics into the philosophical spotlight. Heraclitus (535 BC – 475 BC) was one of the pioneers of logic and drew from a variety of philosophical ideas.

Become familiar with the most important ancient philosophers, those who shaped Western philosophy. Delve deep into their works and thoughts with a selection of the essential quotes introducing their major ideas and delineating the structure of their work with clarity.

Epictetus was born a slave, and became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. Stoicism is the attitude allowing one to free oneself from the unnecessary suffering that arises from anxiety about events that are beyond our control; therefore, it can be of tremendous importance in one's life. According to Epictetus, our own actions and attitudes are the only thing in our control; whatever else happens, we should examine calmly and dispassionately, because no amount of suffering will change the impact of external events. The teachings of Epictetus show that philosophy is not made of abstractions or intellectual games; it is a way of life, and it has a direct impact of how much suffering we allow in our experience or not. We have selected for you 100 of his most inspiring quotes, for you to benefit from the teachings of Stoicism and alleviate your life by knowing the proper attitudes.

The Latin term ?enchiridion? connotes a small, essential handbook that sums up a particular matter or subject. So it was with the well-regarded enchiridion of Epictetus, who successfully tranposed the most important principles of Stoicism into this text.Important for students and enthusiasts of ancient philosophy, or for those interested in undertaking a Stoical life, this book exemplifies the tenets of an ethical and Stoic philosophy. For its unstinting commitment to such, this text remained influential and much read among Greek, Roman and later Christian scholars through the centuries following antiquity. The ethical outlook of Epictetus would notably gain favour and quotation from Marcus Aurelius, the ?philosopher king? of the Roman Empire. This paperback edition includes the respected and much-consulted translation by George Long, and is complete with the translator's annotations.

The Latin term 'enchiridion' connotes a small, essential handbook that sums up a particular matter or subject. So it was with the well-regarded enchiridion of Epictetus, who successfully tranposed the most important principles of Stoicism into this text.Important for students and enthusiasts of ancient philosophy, or for those interested in undertaking a Stoical life, this book exemplifies the tenets of an ethical and Stoic philosophy. For its unstinting commitment to such, this text remained influential and much read among Greek, Roman and later Christian scholars through the centuries following antiquity. The ethical outlook of Epictetus would notably gain favour and quotation from Marcus Aurelius, the 'philosopher king' of the Roman Empire.This hardcover edition includes the translation by George Long, and is complete with the translator's annotations.

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