The Enchiridion - by Epictetus

About the Book

Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus (ca. 50-ca. 130 CE) offers guidance on achieving contentment, happiness, and tranquility in the modern world. A wonderful gift for anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling life.

Book Synopsis

This lovely hardcover keepsake offers the timeless precepts of one of the most important Greek Stoic philosophers. Epictetus (ca. 50-ca. 130 CE) was born into slavery and had a permanent physical disability. After attaining his freedom, Epictetus spent his career teaching philosophy and advising a daily regimen of self-examination. His pupil Arrian later collected and published the master's lecture notes as The Enchiridion, or Manual. Full of practical advice, this volume offers guidance for those seeking contentment, happiness, and tranquility in the modern world. Through the principles found in The Enchiridion, we learn that true freedom can be achieved by taking control of our thoughts and actions through self-awareness rather than trying to change events beyond our power. This enduring counsel on how to live follows maxims that have set generations of readers on the path to happiness and makes a wonderful gift for any occasion.

From the Back Cover

Front flap: "No man is free who is not master of himself."
Discover how to achieve contentment, gratitude, and happiness with the timeless precepts of one of the most important Greek Stoic philosophers, Epictetus. For centuries The Enchiridion, or Manual, has offered practical advice and guidance for those seeking tranquility, and it remains relevant in the modern world. This enduring counsel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and urges us to take control of our thoughts and actions to achieve true freedom. Follow generations of readers on a path to serenity and resilience by embracing the perennial maxims in this lovely hardcover keepsake.

Back flap: (image of Epictetus)
Born in Greece around 50 CE, Epictetus spent years as a slave in the court of Nero. At some point he studied under Musonius Rufus, a Roman senator and Stoic philosopher. When Epictetus attained his freedom, he began teaching philosophy in Rome and eventually returned to Greece, where he established his own school. He lectured on philosophy, exploring the depths of self-examination. His lectures were later published by his pupil Arrian.

Back cover: Wisdom from Epictetus

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."

"In prosperity it is very easy to find a friend; but in adversity it is most difficult of all things."

"Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope."

"It is better by assenting to truth to conquer opinion, than by assenting to opinion to be conquered by truth."

"Of pleasures those which occur most rarely give the greatest delight."

About the Author

Epictetus was a Stoic philosopher who was born into slavery around 50 AD. He lived in Rome until he was banished and found his way to Greece, where he spent the rest of his years teaching what he had learned under Musonius Rufus.