Epictetus

Epictetus – Life, Philosophy, and Famous Quotes

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher, born a slave, who taught that freedom lies in mastering one’s inner life. Explore his biography, teachings (in the Discourses and Enchiridion), key ideas, and memorable sayings.

Introduction

Epictetus is one of the great figures of Stoic philosophy, renowned not for written works of his own, but for the rigorous, practical philosophy he taught and lived. His teachings — preserved by his pupil Arrian — emphasize that while we cannot control external events, we can and must control how we respond to them. His life of adversity, moral discipline, and psychological insight continues to inspire modern readers.

Early Life, Slavery, and Freedom

Epictetus was likely born around AD 50 in Hierapolis in Phrygia (in what is today part of Turkey). Epíkt?tos, means “acquired” or “gained,” possibly reflecting a status of acquisition (e.g. as a slave).

He spent part of his life in Rome as a slave to a freedman named Epaphroditus, who was secretary to Nero.

At some point, Epictetus obtained his freedom (after the death of Nero, some sources suggest).

Later, Emperor Domitian banned philosophical teachers from Rome, prompting Epictetus to relocate. He settled in Nicopolis (in western Greece), where he established a school and taught until his death.

Epictetus is usually thought to have died around AD 135 (some sources say 138).

Works & Transmission

Epictetus himself left no writings. Instead, his teachings are known through Arrian, his pupil, who recorded his lectures and compiled his sayings. Two main works preserve his philosophy:

• Discourses (Diatribai) — informal lectures and dialogues by Epictetus, as recorded by Arrian. Four books are extant (originally more).

• Enchiridion (Handbook) — a compact manual of Stoic ethical advice, excerpted and organized by Arrian from the Discourses, focusing on practical principles.

The Enchiridion is especially valued for its concise, actionable guidance.

Philosophical Teachings & Key Ideas

Epictetus’s philosophy is deeply practical. His central concern is: how can one live well, in accordance with virtue, given that much of life is beyond one’s control?

What Is in Our Control — The Distinction

One of Epictetus’s foundational principles is the distinction between what is up to us and what is not up to us.

• What is up to us: our judgments, choices, attitudes, impulses, assent — the inner life.

• What is not up to us: external things like body, reputation, property, other people’s actions, events, outcomes.

This distinction forms the basis for serenity: by focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot, we reduce suffering caused by futile desires or aversions.

Prohairesis (Moral Choice)

A central Stoic concept in Epictetus’s teaching is prohairesis — the faculty of moral choice or volition.

Epictetus teaches that our responses to impressions (sensory, emotional, conceptual) should be carefully judged. We should withhold assent when impressions are mistaken or destructive.

Judgment & Interpretation

Epictetus holds that it is not things themselves that disturb us, but our judgments about them. If one can change one’s interpretation or belief about an event, one mitigates suffering.

Virtue & Inner Freedom

For Epictetus, virtue (wisdom, justice, courage, self-control) is the highest good. True freedom is internal: freedom from being swayed by externals and enslaved by desire or fear.

He emphasizes living consistently, acting in line with reason, and cultivating inner stability. He often likened life to a journey, a performance, or a disciplined training.

Amor Fati & Acceptance

Closely aligned with Stoic acceptance is the attitude of amor fati (love of fate) — embracing whatever happens, even adversity, as part of nature. While Epictetus doesn’t use the Latin phrase (it’s later), his teachings echo the sentiment: accept events beyond you with equanimity.

He urges one not merely to endure what happens, but to welcome it as material for virtue.

Legacy & Influence

Epictetus’s influence has been deep and long-lasting:

• His teachings shaped later Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, who cites him in Meditations.

• During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, his Enchiridion was widely translated and read.

• He has influenced modern philosophy, psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy), and popular self-help movements.

• His emphasis on internal control, reinterpretation of events, and resilience aligns with many psychological practices today.

Famous Quotes of Epictetus

Here are some of his most memorable and oft-cited sayings (translations vary):

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” “No man is free who is not master of himself.” “Who is your master? Anyone who has control over things upon which you’ve set your heart, or over things which you seek to avoid.” “Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person.”

These lines distill Epictetus’s practical wisdom on the inner life, discipline, and perspective.

Lessons & Reflections from Epictetus

From his philosophy and life, we can draw several timeless lessons:

1. Focus on what you can control
   Worrying about externals is wasted effort; your power lies in your judgments and actions.

2. Training the will (prohairesis) is central
   Our freedom is exercised through choice, not through external conditions.

3. Reinterpret adversity as opportunity
   Under hardship lies a chance for growth, virtue, and self-mastery.

4. Humility in knowledge
   True learning begins when we admit that we don’t already know.

5. Embodiment over rhetoric
   Philosophy is not just theory; it must be lived and practiced moment by moment.

6. Independence from externals
   True freedom is internal, not dependent on wealth, status, or others’ opinions.

Conclusion

Epictetus stands as a beacon of applied philosophy: a thinker who, from humble origins, offered guidance on how to live well under any circumstance. His legacy — preserved through Discourses and Enchiridion — invites us to turn inward, practice self-discipline, and orient our lives around that which truly matters.