The Discourses of Epictetus: The Handbook, Fragments
Epictetus (Editor), Christopher Gill (Editor), Hard Robin (Editor), Robin Hard (Revised by), Richard StonemanBooks.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
For centuries, Stoicism was virtually the unofficial religion of the Roman world
Yet the stress on endurance, self-restraint and the power of the will to withstand calamity can often seem coldhearted. It is Epictetus, a lame former slave exiled by the Emperor Domitian, who offers by far the most positive and humane version of Stoic ideals. The Discourses, assembled by his pupil Arrian, catch him in action, publicly setting out his views on ethical dilemmas.
Committed to communicating with the widest possible audience, Epictetus uses humor, imaginary conversations and homely comparisons to put his message across. The result is a perfect summary of 'the Roman virtues' —the brotherhood of man, universal justice, calm indifference in the face pain—which have proved so influential throughout Western history.
Synopsis
For centuries, Stoicism was virtually the unofficial religion of the Roman worldThe stress on endurance, self-restraint, and power of the will to withstand calamity can often seem coldhearted. It is Epictetus, a lame former slave exiled by Emperor Domitian, who offers by far the most precise and humane version of Stoic ideals. The Discourses, assembled by his pupil Arrian, catch him in action, publicly setting out his views on ethical dilemmas.
Committed to communicating with the broadest possible audience, Epictetus uses humor, imagery conversations and homely comparisons to put his message across. The results are perfect universal justice and calm indifference in the face of pain.
The most comprehensive edition available with an introduction, notes, selected criticism, glossary, and chronology of Epictetus' life and times.