Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived from around 50 AD to 135 AD. Born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia (present-day Pamukkale, Turkey), Epictetus spent a significant portion of his early life in Rome as a slave before gaining his freedom after the death of Emperor Nero. His master, Epaphroditos, was a wealthy freedman and a secretary to Nero, which likely exposed Epictetus to the philosophical education and circles of Rome.
After obtaining his freedom, Epictetus began teaching philosophy in Rome around 93 AD. However, in 94 AD, Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Rome, and Epictetus settled in Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, where he established a philosophical school. This school attracted many students eager to learn Stoic philosophy, emphasizing ethics and the philosophy of life over theoretical discussions.
Epictetus's teachings are primarily preserved in the writings of his pupil, Arrian, who compiled his lectures and conversations into the Discourses. Additionally, Arrian distilled Epictetus's wisdom into a more concise manual known as the Enchiridion, or Handbook, which has become one of the most influential works in Stoic philosophy. Unlike many of his predecessors, Epictetus wrote nothing himself, so our knowledge of his thoughts comes from these second-hand accounts.
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Stoicism is a practical philosophy for everyday life. At Orion Philosophy, we cover Stoicism 101 and draw on the wisdom of Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca to find better ways to live and promote resilience, peace of mind, and overall wellbeing. Whether you're looking for daily Stoic routines, or how to be a Stoic in daily life, you'll find something here.
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