The Enchiridion
By Epictetus
Subjects: Conduct of life--Early works to 1800, Ethics, Ancient
Description: <p>Born a slave and lamed by his master, <a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/epictetus">Epictetus</a> studied Stoic philosophy while in captivity. Once freed, he survived Domitian’s banishment of all philosophers from Rome to settle in Greece, where he founded a school of philosophy. He quickly rose to prominence as a renowned Stoic scholar and teacher, and even though he was personally friendly with emperors, he kept a simple life.</p> <p><i>The Enchiridion</i> is a summary of practical advice compiled by Epictetus’ student Arrian. While based on Epictetus’ <i><a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/epictetus/discourses/george-long">Discourses</a></i>, it’s not a philosophical treatise as much as it is a short handbook with practical suggestions on how to live a good and satisfying life. It remained popular for centuries with translations to different languages completed as early as 1493, and was even a common school text in Scotland during the 18<sup>th</sup> century.</p>
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