What is the philosophy of Epictetus?
Primarily interested in ethics, Epictetus described philosophy as learning “how it is possible to employ desire and aversion without hindrance.” True education, he believed, consists in recognizing that there is only one thing that belongs to an individual fully—his will, or purpose.
How do I get a free Epictetus quote?
“Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.” “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” “Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.”
How did Epictetus life influence his philosophy?
He spent his youth as a slave in Rome to Epaphroditos, a wealthy freedman and secretary to Nero. Early in life, Epictetus acquired a passion for philosophy and, with the permission of his wealthy enslaver, he studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus. Becoming more educated in this way raised his social status.
What does Epictetus believe we can control?
What can we control? Epictetus argues that we actually control very little. We don’t control what happens to us, we can’t control what the people around us say or do, and we can’t even fully control our own bodies, which get damaged and sick and ultimately die without regard for our preferences.
What can we learn from Epictetus?
11 Timeless Lessons From Epictetus That Will Change How You See Your Life.
Who is my master Epictetus?
“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.”
Can a Stoic be happy?
Yes, the Stoics can not only be happy but also feel the full range of emotions. They can be happy, sad, angry, or intense, without the need to hide behind faces emptied of expressions. The Stoics feel emotions as given by Nature but do not get overwhelmed by them.
What is the highest good in life?
Summum bonum is a Latin expression meaning the highest or ultimate good, which was introduced by the Roman philosopher Cicero to denote the fundamental principle on which some system of ethics is based — that is, the aim of actions, which, if consistently pursued, will lead to the best possible life.