Epictetus(50 — 138)
Epictetus
Rome antique
6 min read
Greek Stoic philosopher of the 1st–2nd century CE, born a slave in Hierapolis in Phrygia. He founded a school of philosophy in Nicopolis in Epirus, where he taught that virtue lies in accepting what does not depend on us. His teachings, compiled by his disciple Arrian in the Enchiridion, became a major reference of late Stoicism.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« Men are disturbed not by things, but by the opinions about things. »
« There is only one thing that is truly yours: your assent. »
« You cannot control external events, only your reaction to those events. »
Key Facts
- Born around 50 CE as a slave in Phrygia
- Received instruction from the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus in Rome
- Exiled from Rome around 94 CE by the emperor Domitian
- Founded and led a school of philosophy in Nicopolis in Epirus until his death around 138 CE
- His disciple Arrian compiled his teachings in the Enchiridion (Manual) and the Discourses (Diatribes)
Works & Achievements
A collection in eight books (four of which survive) of Epictetus's oral teachings, transcribed by his disciple Arrian. A foundational text of late Stoicism, blending dialogues, exhortations, and concrete examples.
A practical summary of Epictetus's philosophy compiled by Arrian. This small book, designed to be carried on one's person, distills the essential principles for living according to Stoic virtue.
A collection of maxims and passages attributed to Epictetus, preserved by various ancient authors such as Stobaeus and Aulus Gellius, supplementing the Discourses and the Handbook.
Epictetus taught exclusively orally, faithful to the Socratic tradition. His school trained many influential students, including Arrian, future governor of Cappadocia and historian of Alexander.
Anecdotes
Epictetus was a slave of Epaphroditus, a freedman of Nero who became an imperial secretary. According to tradition, his master would twist his leg as punishment. Epictetus reportedly said calmly: 'You are going to break it,' and when the leg gave way: 'I warned you.' This anecdote, reported by Celsus and Origen, illustrates his composure in the face of pain.
Emperor Marcus Aurelius, one of the most powerful men in the Roman world, regarded Epictetus as one of his guiding thinkers. In his Meditations, he cites him with admiration. A former lame slave thus became the spiritual guide of an emperor.
Epictetus lived in extreme austerity in Nicopolis. His home contained nothing but a straw mattress, a mat, and an earthenware lamp. When that lamp was stolen, he replaced it with an iron one, remarking that he had lost his lamp because he had owned something worth stealing.
Epictetus never wrote anything himself. Everything we know of his thought comes from his disciple Arrian of Nicomedia, who took faithful notes during his lectures. Without this transcription work, the teaching of one of antiquity's greatest philosophers would have been lost.
Primary Sources
Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command.
Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things. Thus death is nothing terrible, for if it were, Socrates would have thought it so. But the opinion that death is terrible — that is the terrible thing.
From Rusticus I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline, and from him I first learned of Epictetus's teachings, of which he communicated to me a copy from his own tablets.
Free is the man who lives as he wishes, who cannot be compelled, nor hindered, nor forced, whose desires attain their end, whose aversions do not encounter what they would avoid.
Key Places
Epictetus's birthplace in present-day Turkey. A prosperous thermal city of the Roman Empire where he was born into slavery.
Capital of the Empire where Epictetus lived as a slave of Epaphroditus, then as a freedman studying under Musonius Rufus, before being banished.
Greek city founded by Augustus where Epictetus settled after his banishment from Rome. He founded his school of philosophy there and taught until his death.
Intellectual center of the Greek world where Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium at the Porch (Stoa Poikilè). The philosophical tradition of which Epictetus is an heir.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Entretiens (Diatribai)
vers 108-115
Le Manuel (Encheiridion)
vers 125
Fragments
Ier-IIe siècle
Enseignement oral à Nicopolis
vers 90-138
