Enchiridion by Epictetus

The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. The Enchiridion, or “Manual,” is a collection of Epictetus’ teachings that were compiled by his student Arrian around 108 AD2. Only four of the original eight books have survived. Epictetus’ philosophy is intensely practical. He directs his students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires so that they "never fail to obtain what they desire nor fall into what they avoid". True education consists in learning to distinguish what is ours from what does not belong to us and in learning to correctly assent or dissent from external impressions. The purpose of his teaching was to make people free and happy. The “Discourses” have been influential since they were written. Marcus Aurelius refers to them and quotes them. Since the 16th century, they have been translated into several languages and have been reprinted many times.

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present-day Pamukkale, in western Turkey) and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion. Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not simply a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, 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 examine and control through rigorous self-discipline.