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The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness

Epictetus,

Sharon Lebell (Retold by)

4.23 · Rating details · 11,755 ratings · 1,005 reviews

Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 C.E. in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Sold as a child and crippled from the beatings of his master, Epictetus was eventually freed, rising from his humble roots to establish an influential school of Stoic philosophy. Stressing that human beings cannot control life, only how they respond to it, Epictetus dedicated his

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Paperback, 128 pages

Published May 1st 2004 by HarperOne (first published 125)

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Aug 08, 2016 Amir Tesla rated it really liked it

Shelves: philosophy

Stoic philosophy is concerned with preserving our serenity and happiness regardless of any situation or circumstances. Be it loosing your fame and wealth or you beloved ones ...

This book which present the teachings of stoic philosopher "Epictetus", is filled with practical wisdom, many of which constitute the foundation of many books I've read or many sayings you and I have heard. Not only books and sayings, teachings of Epictetus I can't help but to notice is the foundation of prominent fields ...more

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Jul 28, 2009 Marcus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: self-development, classics

Stoicism according to Epictetus, is:

Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.

and:

If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, so as to wish to please anyone, be assured that you have ruined your scheme of life.

My favorite quote, maybe because it's so personally relevant and so incisive, is, and bear with Epictetus, this one is a bit long-winded:

In every affair consider what precedes and follows, and then

Stoicism according to Epictetus, is:

Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.

and:

If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, so as to wish to please anyone, be assured that you have ruined your scheme of life.

My favorite quote, maybe because it's so personally relevant and so incisive, is, and bear with Epictetus, this one is a bit long-winded:

In every affair consider what precedes and follows, and then undertake it. Otherwise you will begin with spirit; but not having thought of the consequences, when some of them appear you will shamefully desist. "I would conquer at the Olympic games." But consider what precedes and follows, and then, if it is for your advantage, engage in the affair. You must conform to rules, submit to a diet, refrain from dainties; exercise your body, whether you choose it or not, at a stated hour, in heat and cold; you must drink no cold water, nor sometimes even wine. [...:] When you have evaluated all this, if your inclination still holds, then go to war. Otherwise, take notice, you will behave like children who sometimes play like wrestlers, sometimes gladiators, sometimes blow a trumpet, and sometimes act a tragedy when they have seen and admired these shows. Thus you too will be at one time a wrestler, at another a gladiator, now a philosopher, then an orator; but with your whole soul, nothing at all. Like an ape, you mimic all you see, and one thing after another is sure to please you, but is out of favor as soon as it becomes familiar.

At other times, his advice is a little harder to swallow:

If, for example, you are fond of a specific ceramic cup, remind yourself that it is only ceramic cups in general of which you are fond. Then, if it breaks, you will not be disturbed. If you kiss your child, or your wife, say that you only kiss things which are human, and thus you will not be disturbed if either of them dies.

The overall approach to life reminds me a lot of Eastern philosophy's non-striving which I've found to be practical and beneficial. I think Epictetus captures well the balance between a complete lack of ambition and allowing ambition and materialism to consume you. ...more

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Apr 15, 2016 Vaishali rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ancient-cultures, self-improvement

I maintain the oldest writings are the absolute best. A fantastic collection of 52 maxims (#29 seems to be missing), as timeless as they are wise.

Some quotes:
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#1. Some things are in our control and others are not. Work, therefore, to be able to say to every harsh appearance, “You are but an appearance, and not absolutely the thing you appear to be.”

#5. Do not be proud of any excellence that is not yours. If a horse thinks “I am handsome”, that is acceptable. But if you the owner ...more

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Jul 19, 2017 Sean rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, read-2017, 24-hours

Great read. Felt like I highlighted practically the entire book:

First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours. If you do this, you will be impervious to coercion and no one can ever hold you back. You will be truly free and effective, for your efforts will be put to good use and won't be foolishly squandered finding fault ...more

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May 19, 2018 Jon Nakapalau rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy, favorites, cultural-studies

Better than any self help book available today - so very powerful because of the simplicity of the message - focus only on that which you can control and avoid control over that which is beyond you influence.

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Jul 03, 2011 Jake Adelstein rated it it was amazing

No man is free who is not master of himself. -Epictetus
It's something worth remembering on the 4th of July. Independence Day.

"Forgive Over and Over and Over.""Never suppress a generous impulse." One of the greatest books of philosophy I've ever read. It is more of a reinterpretation of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus than a straight academic translation but it wonderfully conveys the wisdom of a a great philosopher who was born a slave. If you ever find yourself at a point in your life when No man is free who is not master of himself. -Epictetus
It's something worth remembering on the 4th of July. Independence Day.

"Forgive Over and Over and Over.""Never suppress a generous impulse." One of the greatest books of philosophy I've ever read. It is more of a reinterpretation of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus than a straight academic translation but it wonderfully conveys the wisdom of a a great philosopher who was born a slave. If you ever find yourself at a point in your life when everything is out of your control, this book is wonderfully soothing. We can't control all the events in our lives, but we can choose how we react to them. Sometimes, that's the only freedom we have left.

This was my favorite passage in the entire book. I've pondered it often. Of course, there are some people it's very hard to forgive. Usually when they try to have you killed it does put a strain on one's generosity but in ordinary circumstances sound advice.

FORGIVE OVER AND OVER AND OVER
Generally, we're all doing the best we can.
When someone speaks to you curtly, disregards what you say, performs what seems to be a thoughtless gesture or even an outright evil act, think to yourself, "If I were that person and had endured the same trials, borne the same heartbreaks, had the same parents, and so on, I probably would have done or said the same thing." We are not privy to the stories behind people's actions, so we should be patient with others and suspend our judgment of them, recognizing the limits of our understanding. It does not mean we condone evil deeds or endorse the idea that different actions carry the same moral weight.
When people do not act as you would wish them to, exercise the muscles of your good nature by shrugging your shoulders and saying to yourself "Oh well." Then let the incident go.
Try, also, to be as kind to yourself as possible. Do not measure yourself against others or even against your ideal self. Human betterment is a gradual, two-steps-forward, one-step-back effort.
Forgive others for their misdeeds over and over again. This gesture fosters inner peace. Forgive yourself over and over and over again. Then try to do better next the time. ...more

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Mar 03, 2017 Samy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: z-2017

Epictetus is a less popular stoic than Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, and I didn’t read his works for a long time. This book was my first introduction to his wisdom, and while Seneca may be clearer in his writing, there are certain gems that Epictetus brings to the table that even Seneca and M.Aurelius aren’t able to produce.

Seneca puts great emphasis on the shortness of life, tranquility, and being above suffering. Marcus Aurelius looks at the bigger picture, and the idea that we don’t have ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Smitha Murthy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy, 1001-books-to-read-before-you-die, non-fiction, strong-women, classic

I haven’t really read much of Stoicism, and as the author of this new interpretation of Epictetus’ teachings, Sharon Lebell says, Stoicism has been given a bit of a bad rap. Or rather, all sorts of misunderstood memes. In this beautiful interpretation that is adapted to the modern, Western style of living, Lebell takes us through the basic tenets of what Epictetus taught: To lead a life of reason, grace, dignity, kindness, and virtue. Those are values we can do well in life irrespective of ...more

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Jun 30, 2010 Bob Nichols rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Favorable commentary on Epictetus lodges this collection of sayings within a wider, deeper Stoic philosophy. In a nutshell, the cosmos operates by natural law that is beyond our control. Things in the cosmos are transitory and permanent attachment is not possible. The task for the Stoic philosopher, such as Epictetus, is to focus only on those actions that are within one's power to control and to act without attachment. This is the law of the cosmos that we know through our rationality, which Favorable commentary on Epictetus lodges this collection of sayings within a wider, deeper Stoic philosophy. In a nutshell, the cosmos operates by natural law that is beyond our control. Things in the cosmos are transitory and permanent attachment is not possible. The task for the Stoic philosopher, such as Epictetus, is to focus only on those actions that are within one's power to control and to act without attachment. This is the law of the cosmos that we know through our rationality, which becomes the guide for our actions and the source of our wisdom. Cultivation of reason and cultivation of actions that are in accord with the law of the cosmos is, therefore, the path to personal happiness.

The problem with this approach is apparent in this sample of Epictetus' philosophy. First, his widely regarded practical philosophy leans heavily on social manners and making a good impression ("let not your laughter be much...nor excessive.") The self thereby adjusts to external standards, but this conformity leads to the loss of individuality. Second, and similarly, truth is secondary to keeping peace with others ("defer to opinions of superiors" and "agree with equals...to avoid quarrelsomeness".) Third, in accentuating the highest human virtue, reason, our animal emotions are not just to be controlled, but denied (We should punish our appetites;we should not suffer mentally with another; and we should accept death of a loved one as part of the order of things). Self-denial and cutting off feelings toward another or toward ourselves may be denying a deeper essence to our humanity and may not be conducive to our psychological health. Fourth, his philosophy leads to a slave mentality. Imposition on the self is accepted because it's the order of things. Resignation and acceptance not active resistance is the advice of Epictetus. Fifth, he has an uneasy relationship with things of the world. One can desire, but not desire too much. Reason puts the break on attachment. What this says about love - and holding oneself back - is one concern. But, importantly, an obvious question is why should the self not want what the self wants? Intuitively, we sense a contradiction here that makes his philosophical advice unconvincing.

What is missing in Epictetus is an acceptance of a vigorous circuit of energy between the self and the world. Epictetus either holds the self back from the world or merges the self too much with it. He appropriately tells us that we have two things in our power: Our movement toward the world (desire) and our movement away from the world (aversion). This means the self is free to engage that world and to resist that world when it imposes on the self. The imposition of others on the self denies the self's freedom to pursue objects of desire and, therefore, the self's power to control its own destiny. Likewise, to impose the self on others is to deny their freedom. Reason, combined with socially imposed controls, keeps self and other in balance. Individuality is compatible with order. It's o.k. to seek objects of desire. Self-denial is counter to our desiring nature and denial of our feelings denies us of what is real inside and denies us of our humanity. The restraint on our desire comes from a recognition that it must not come at the expense of the other. There's an implicit social contract that lies at the heart of the self-other relationship. This circuit of energy between the self and the world is an active and reciprocal relationship, and it also reflects nature's law. ...more

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Mar 06, 2015 Jim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy, ancient_greece, religion, ancient-rome

This short and simple work of stoic philosophy is as valid as when it was first penned two thousand years ago. Epictetus started life as a Greek slave, but wound up in Rome. His Enchiridion distinguishes sharply between those things we can control and those we cannot:

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, and, in

...more

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Nov 22, 2016 Erick rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ancient-hellenistic-philosophy, philosophy, stoicism

There isn't much here that one could take issue with. Epictetus' pithy take on morals and ethics is not that far removed from that of the New Testament.

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Sep 04, 2015 Scriptor Ignotus rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy

When I found this book in the library, I was put off by the fact that it is described on the cover as "a new interpretation by Sharon Lebell". I can only assume that to mean that this is not so much a translation of Epictetus's words as it is Sharon Lebell's interpretation of what Epictetus meant. With all due respect to her, if given the choice i'd much rather read Epictetus's actual work and interpret it for myself, thanks.

That said, even though it is difficult to know how faithful this ...more

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Jul 27, 2014 Luciana Nery rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy

The opening line reads like a secular mantra:

"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, and in one word, whatever are not our actions".

Further along, what to do with this realization:

"Work, therefore, to be able to say to every harsh appearance, "You are but an appearance, and not absolutely the thing you appear to ...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Peter J. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have read this probably 5 times. Looking forward to discussing it in heaven with him since he will surely be there.

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Oct 04, 2009 Tyler Jones rated it really liked it

Shelves: philosophy

This is the first time I have read Epictetus, or any work of stoic philosophy for that matter, so if you are looking for an expert opinion you might want to look elsewhere. If, however, you are interested in reading Epictetus for the first time yourself then my little review might be of some use.

I was impressed by the degree to which the thoughts expressed in this book could be applied in modern daily life. Epictetus believed that for philosophy to have any real value it had to be put into This is the first time I have read Epictetus, or any work of stoic philosophy for that matter, so if you are looking for an expert opinion you might want to look elsewhere. If, however, you are interested in reading Epictetus for the first time yourself then my little review might be of some use.

I was impressed by the degree to which the thoughts expressed in this book could be applied in modern daily life. Epictetus believed that for philosophy to have any real value it had to be put into action to create a more noble life for its practitioner. His unrelenting insistence on the practical application of philosophy should be refreshing to contemporary readers who have come to regard philosophy as more of a way of understanding the world than a way of living in it. I came to the book with the notion that Stoicism meant acceptance of the world, and while Epictetus does preach acceptance of those things over which we have no control, he also emphasises the importance of doing the best we can in those areas in which we do have control. It is a very practical book, particularly for people like me who will stew for hours about the moron who cut me off in traffic.

I do have a few reservations. One the one hand Epictetus cautions against us attaching values to actions or events, but would have us understand that these thing are simply what they are. We should not say they are either good nor evil. Yet he also believes that "things happen for a reason" and that reason seems to be part of the plan of a universal force - in other words events do have a moral component. This seems to be a contradiction of his earlier "events have no meaning outside of themselves" ascertation. It also smacks uncomfortably of "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds."

I also found the translation by Sharon Lebell jarring at times. While I appreciate the difficulty in making an 1800 year old text accessible to modern readers, I got the distinct impression that I was reading a "Good News Bible" version of Epictetus. Did she really need to put the words "don't be the class clown" in his mouth? The inclusion of many modern phrases was intrusive.

Still, as an introduction to both Epictetus and stoic philosophy, I believe this book is a great place to start.
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Nov 06, 2011 Jacobi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read

As much a classic work of philosophy, as it is a treatise on how to live (as a stoic), the Enchiridion is dope. Because this is essentially a list of rules that is the length of an extended essay, I'll be rereading it (probably multiple times) to digest it further. Sure, there are some principles I don't subscribe to, but there is a lot of good stuff in this to mull over.

I think it's interesting that something that was written more than 1,880 years ago can still be applicable to life today, as ...more

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Jan 12, 2013 B. P. Rinehart rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to B. P. by: Peter Adamson

Shelves: philosophy-stuff, classical-greco-roman-stuff, non-fiction-stuff

"If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone."

This philosophical text is a collection of 52 quotes or sayings or advice by Epictetus. It has been collected by one of his students and is presented as almost a proto-handbook style format.

This handbook is a wealth of good information and I feel I was very impressed with it overall. Some of the ...more

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Nov 24, 2016 Betül rated it really liked it

Having read this thin-volumed book, i am sure that i am not closer to attain the wisdom. But while reading, it comes as so easy to apply these advices : " accept the commanding power of nature, make it your own willpower, do your businnes, do not think about what you can not control..."The book consists of recommendations like these about attaining wisdom. Still, these are so valuable, especially Epictetus thoughts about freedom that it's not about doing whatever we want, instead it's about ...more

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May 07, 2008 Curtiss rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Anyone

Shelves: philosophy

I first heard Epictetus quoted after the incident in which the cruiser U.S.S. Vincennes shot down an Iranian airliner in 1990, during a period of tension in the Persian Gulf (what else?).

A friend and I were discussing the ramifications and liabilty of the Vincennes's Captain, when a gentleman at the next table said that he knew of an apt quote which he often used in court when a case was going against him and the opposing counsel was roundly denouncing him in front of the judge. He would stand ...more

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Jul 26, 2008 Kathryne rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Anyone

Easy read. Great wisdom. For instance: "Follow through on all your generous impulses. Do not question them, especially if a friend needs you; act on his or her behalf. Do not hesitate! Do not sit around speculating about the possible inconvenience, problems or dangers. As long as you let your reason lead the way, you will be safe. It is our duty to stand by our friends in their hour of need."

One other very different but solid word of wisdom from so many in this book:

"When we name things ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Lilly Minasyan rated it it was amazing

"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. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents."

Wow. What a life changing book this is! This is one of those books that I'll definitely re-read it in near future. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph was essential and ...more

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Jul 04, 2018 Guy rated it it was amazing

Fundamental and powerful book. The philosophy of life presented here by Epictetus will bring happiness to the person who has the fortitude to put his ideas into practice. The question is, do you really have the desire enough to put into practice his ideas? Fundamentally, the book is about seeing your Self truly as it is, as you are, and the world truly as it is, neither of which most of us are comfortable doing. We would much rather live in a world of ideas and half-baked untestable impractical ...more

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Sep 18, 2016 Mazen Yehia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

“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. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents."

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Feb 25, 2019 Alexey rated it liked it · review of another edition

If you read one stoic you read them all. However, I can find many interesting things in this book. I most like 'life as a dinner' moment. Though Epictetus provide good advice for everybody, I more and more agree with Jaspers on the emptiness of stoicism.

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Sep 30, 2019 Bernie Gourley rated it really liked it

This thin volume is packed with the wisdom of Epictetus. Epictetus was a freed slave who made a name for himself as a philosopher in Rome about a century after the birth of Christ. While small-s “stoic” conjures an image of a dour automaton, the Stoics were philosophers who believed [he oversimplified] that there’s nothing worth getting broken up about. If you can do something to influence the outcome of an event, you just need to pick the virtuous course. And if you can’t do anything about it, ...more

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Apr 19, 2019 Ivan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Some of the ideas are definitely worthy of consideration and I will do my best to incorporate them in my life. There's a lot of useful wisdom in these rules that could help anyone live happier and more fulfilling life.

But, there's also a lot of radical ideas that in my opinion go against everything that makes us human. For example:

"With regard to whatever objects give you delight, are useful, or are deeply loved, remember to tell yourself of what general nature they are, beginning from the most ...more

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Aug 03, 2013 Frank rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: stoicism

Nothing that most people don't know. Really. I'm not trying to appear brilliant. I gave 2 stars because the ideas are expressed in a lovely, straightforward prose.

The problem I have with this work is that Epictetus, it seems to this non-classicist, does not give value to responsibility of obligation. For example, I sense that if someone was unhappy in a marriage, Epictetus would tell that someone to leave the marriage instead of working it out. I also sense he did not put value in emotions of ...more

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Dec 22, 2018 Gustavo Offely rated it liked it · review of another edition

Um livrinho de bons conselhos impraticáveis. Uma boa preparação para o Natal.

THERE are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power.

Now the things within our power are by nature free, unrestricted, unhindered; but those beyond our power are weak, dependent, restricted, alien. Remember then, that, if you attribute freedom to things by nature dependent, and take what belongs to others for your own; you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed,

...more

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Apr 29, 2018 sologdin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: dilectio-sapientiae, ancient

Roman stoicism, the author expelled from the City by Domitian because philosophizing be dangerous.

Contains the 52 propositions of the Enchiridion and 178 fragments thereafter. A number of the propositions in the Enchiridion concern the eidos zoe of the philosopher (V, XV, XXII, XXIII,XXXII, XLVIII, XLIX, L, LI), though some will apply to all bios, and likely to Agamben's 'bare life.' The former text opens with the premise that there're two sets of things--those within 'our power' and those Roman stoicism, the author expelled from the City by Domitian because philosophizing be dangerous.

Contains the 52 propositions of the Enchiridion and 178 fragments thereafter. A number of the propositions in the Enchiridion concern the eidos zoe of the philosopher (V, XV, XXII, XXIII,XXXII, XLVIII, XLIX, L, LI), though some will apply to all bios, and likely to Agamben's 'bare life.' The former text opens with the premise that there're two sets of things--those within 'our power' and those without (I). Within-our-power includes 'our own acts' (including opinion, movement, desire & aversion (!)), whereas without-our-power includes "the body [!], property, reputation, offices" and so on (id.).

Plenty of awful things happen in the world, without-our-power, but we are "disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things" (V). Ergo, we need simply change our opinion, which, as above, is within-our-power. Easy! Tranquility will consist in accommodation to the real--"seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are" (VIII). While I am all for accommodation to the real, this perhaps is a bit too complacent.

Disease, we are told, "is an impediment of the body, but not of the will, unless the will itself chooses"; it is accordingly an impediment "not to yourself" (IX)--the body therefore is alien to the self, which rather inheres in the will, which is apparently subject to control in this conception.

Reminiscent of Sun Tzu in the injunction that "you can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer" (XIX).

Definitely slick in repudiating the notion of atimia (XXIV)--but bizarre in the injunction to "apply the things which relate to the body as far as the bare use, as food, drink, clothing, house, and slaves [!!!!], but exclude everything which is for show or luxury" (XXXIII)--so, a definite lapse in stoic ethics there, if slaves are a necessity. In this regard, we find that "the measure of possession (property) is to every man the body, as the foot is of the shoe" (XXXIX)--"for there is no limit to that which has once passed the true measure" (id.).

Kickass:

Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be borne, the other by which it may not. If your brother acts unjustly, do not lay hold of the act by that handle wherein he acts unjustly, for this is the handle which cannot be borne; but lay hold of the other, that his your brother, that he was nurtured with you. (XLIII)

Similarly cool that "These things do not cohere: I am richer than you, therefore I am better than you" (XLIV). Rather, "I am richer than you, therefore my possessions are greater than yours" (id.).

Perhaps a manual for living under the Roman regime--though we might question either its plausibility or its passivity if the stoics continued to be assassinated and exiled. An odd mix of radical corporeal disaggregation with adherence to class norms, as well as a maximalist conception of volition wherein even desire is subject to conscious will. ...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Laura Leaney rated it really liked it

I've owned this book for fifteen years, and every once in a while I am compelled to pull it from the shelf on my bookcase devoted to pagan philosophers in order to remind myself to get a grip on my kvetching.

This slender book is not a translation of Epictetus, so one must be careful. Instead, the author summarizes the philosopher's key ideas. But his ideas make so much clear sense that no matter your religious affiliation, understanding stoicism will strengthen your character. IF you can ...more

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About Epictetus

Epictetus

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Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was probably born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey), and lived in Rome until his exile to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he lived most of his life and died. His teachings were noted down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses. Philosophy, he taught, is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. ...more