Character Catalog

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.

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.

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.

Epictetus owned a simple clay oil lamp, a symbol of his frugal way of life. After it was stolen, he replaced it with an iron lamp, drawing a lesson on detachment.

Epictetus was lame, most likely as a result of mistreatment suffered during slavery. He walked with a crutch, which became an attribute of his image.

His bed was a simple mat laid on the ground, in keeping with the Stoic ideal of material austerity and mastery over the body's needs.

A common writing medium in Roman philosophical schools. Arrian used them to record Epictetus's lessons during class.

A short, coarse woolen cloak worn by Greek philosophers as a sign of their vocation. It distinguished the philosopher from the ordinary citizen.

A clay vessel used to store water. Epictetus advocated simple food and drink, with water being his primary beverage.