accepting external events and by concerning himself only with how he chooses to act upon what is within his power. The sage and philosopher Epictetus taught Stoicism in first-century Rome‚ and although none of his original writings have survived‚ much of his teachings were recorded by his student Arrian. The Enchiridion‚ or Handbook‚ is a concise manual on how Epictetus thought one should live. The basic idea underlying the practical enactment of stoicism can be summarized in a phrase: “Do not seek to
Premium Stoicism Epictetus Logos
In Epictetus’ Enchiridion‚ Epictetus claims that people are upset not by the things themselves but by their judgements about the things. This is because people are not in control of what happens to them‚ but they are in control of their own response. Therefore‚ the only things in life worth worrying about are those that are within the individual’s control. Worrying about anything else is destined to end in disappointment or sorrow. Things outside of our control cannot bring us happiness. Possessions
Premium Life Mind Anxiety
The Difficulty in Living Life as a Stoic Life as a Stoic is one focused on improving the world. In more specific terms‚ Epictetus believed the purpose of moral philosophy was to help show people the way to lead better lives. A life as a Stoic philosopher is therefore an ideal one for members of a society‚ for its focus is on improvement for all. However‚ for the actual individual‚ leading the life of a Stoic philosopher is difficult‚ for it commands that the individual subordinate his own ends
Premium Stoicism Ethics Epictetus
Epictetus’ handbook‚ Enchiridion‚ was compiled by his disciple Arrian and first published in 125 AD. In this writing‚ Epictetus offers Stoic advice on how one can live well given the circumstances within one’s world. Epictetus firmly believes in the strategy of detachment as a means to survive; to not project any intrinsic value onto things outside one’s control and to be dependent on oneself for one’s own happiness. As Dr. Enns mentions in lecture‚ Epictetus proposes coping strategies for one’s
Premium Epictetus Life Meaning of life
Commandments from Epictetus ❖ Thou shalt honor the blessings that the Lord gives you. ❖ Thou shalt live with only necessities‚ and avoid luxuries. ❖ Thou shalt not attempt to control things that you are powerless to. ❖ Thou shalt avoid boasting about one’s life and journeys. ❖ Thou shalt not hold grudges against those who do wrong against you. There are many things in this life that we cannot control‚ and according to the famous philosopher‚ Epictetus‚ we are to accept
Premium Epictetus Stoicism
because of our judgment about those things. In the Handbook of Epictetus‚ he claims that “what upsets people is not things themselves but their judgments about the things” (Epictetus). Our judgment affects many things like our emotions‚ opinions‚ and decisions we make. For example‚ in a situation where one person assists another person to cheat on a test and the person who assists the cheater is caught‚ the assister can do many things. Epictetus states three things that a person becomes
Premium Ethics Morality Psychology
god of monotheism. While there is little doubt that Epictetus views god as all powerful and all good‚ I will argue that his texts also indicate that Epictetus views god as a pantheistic god possessing none of the defining characteristics of a personal god. There is a significant difference between what Epictetus means by being all good and what monotheism defines as all good. What monotheism defines as all good is perfect morals while Epictetus defines the true nature of good as intelligence‚ knowledge
Premium God
Judgment and Destiny Epictetus’ views on how a person should live as a good human are very clearly stated in his handbook. He explores many different values and virtues throughout his writing. The lesson of virtue is one he explores in great deal and ties to many other ideas in his work. His views on how we judge ourselves‚ our possessions and others are eloquently written throughout his virtues. Judgment can be a dominating factor in one’s life‚ which Epictetus seems to appreciate and talk
Premium Human Judgment Grammatical person
theories‚ I found myself intrigued by their different beliefs. I was fascinated by the Epicurean pleasure filled and painless seeking lifestyle. I was also enticed by the teleological beliefs of the Stoics. But there were ideas that Epicurus and Epictetus believed in that led me to criticize both philosophies‚ the Epicurean views about injustice and death and the Stoic view of duty in particular. One of the first criticisms I noticed when reading Epicurus was his view of injustice. Epicureans
Premium Stoicism Ethics Epictetus
A good number of philosophers stressed that happiness is essential to the human existence‚ they see the sense of human living in triumph of different contentment. Condemning Epicureans‚ Stoics proposed another view and their concept included ethical and moral laws that denied the leading role of happiness but established the principle of logic and rational mind in the life attitude. They prove that sufferings and pain can be used for reaching important knowledge and‚ what is more‚ are the normal
Premium Stoicism Ethics Epictetus