Stoic philosopher Epictetus was born in Hierapolis in Asia Minor around 50 AD. He was a slave of Nero’s freedman Epaphroditus, who enabled him to attend lectures by the well-known Stoic Musonius Rufus, and later freed him. As a free man, he began teaching Stoic philosophy, first in Rome, and after the Roman emperor Domitian ordered all philosophers to be expelled from Rome in 94 AD, in Nicopolis, in Western Greece. Epictetus’ school gained great reputation and fame. His method was Socratic – focusing on the application of philosophical principles in everyday life – so he did not give traditional lectures but taught through conversations. He emphasized that a good teacher must teach primarily by example, and only then with words. He lived extremely modestly and was an example of sublime moral action. He did not write anything down, and we have his teachings and instructions thanks to his student Arrian, who recorded them in two books: Discourses (Diatribai) and Handbook (Enchiridion). The voice about Epictetus spread throughout the Hellenic world, to the point that his disciples included emperors such as Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian, as well as many other honorable Romans. He died in exile in 130, refusing to return to Rome which he called the “city of sin.”
These are just basic biographical details, but his teachings, which he transmitted and lived in his own life, speak much more about him. They allow us to glimpse into his inner self and get to know him better.
“What is within our power, and what is not?”
If we were to single out one thought that is most characteristic of Epictetus’ teachings, it would be the necessity to distinguish between what depends on us and what does not. This is fundamental. Epictetus teaches us that our inner self, emotions, thoughts, actions are within our control, whereas everything else is dependent on external circumstances.
“….within our power are our thoughts, our actions, our desires and aversions, in short, everything that comes from within us. Not within our control are our body, possessions, reputation…” “Our position in the world can be summed up in one word – everything that does not come from ourselves. What is within our power is by nature free and cannot be hindered or suppressed. What is not within our control is subject to influences and dependent on others, it can be prevented.”
We are advised to desire that things which do not depend on us happen as they happen, not as we would like them to, because that is the only way we can achieve inner happiness.
“Do not wish for everything to happen as you wish, but wish for everything to happen as it happens, and you will live in peace.”
This does not mean that we should not take any action, that we are indifferent to whatever happens, or that we fall into inertia and passivity. It means doing our best with what is within our power and accepting whatever comes.
“Be aware – if you consider what is naturally unfree as free, and if you consider what belongs to others as your own, you will encounter numerous difficulties, agitation, and sadness, and you will be in conflict with God and all people.” “All circumstances that come our way must be accepted with the awareness that they are just. Ancient sages considered the universe to be a well-ordered and purposeful entity in which justice reigns and immutable laws exist. Even though in difficult moments it may seem to us that something is unjust, that we don’t deserve it, we are often shortsighted. That is why Epictetus tells us not to oppose God and not to put ourselves in his place of governing the universe. We need to tirelessly work on virtues, be more humane, merciful, just, humble, and what is good and just for everyone will come.”
Life as a theater play
“We often dramatize what happens to us and thus give it greater significance than it deserves, even in the most ordinary life situations. Let us ask ourselves how we would view life if we were, by any chance, in Epictetus’ shoes – if we were slaves of a cruel master, if we were lame, if we were expelled from the city. It would be very difficult for us to keep our gaze directed towards the light.” ed all those dark clouds.
Epictetus did not consider anything that happens to a person as dramatic because, as he says, it is natural, and he did not imagine death itself as something terrifying, but simply as the separation of the spirit from the body, a natural process.
In one place, he says this: “… listen: you have been given a role in a theater play, and it is determined by the director. You must play it regardless of whether the play is long or short. If you are given the role of a beggar, you must play it in accordance with the character of the role. The same goes if you have to play a cripple, a ruler, or a narrow-minded person. Your task consists solely and exclusively in playing the role assigned to you well. Choosing the role is not your job.”
Epictetus believed that the gods govern the world well and that humankind must submit to them and willingly accept their fate, believing that it leads them towards the goal of their existence. So what if not everyone is a ruler? Every position has its obligations whose fulfillment contributes to the orderliness of the universe. It is important to play the role well. “The assigned role, Epictetus tells us, is what matters to us.
Attitude towards difficulties
Various troubles befall man: the loss of loved ones, illnesses, betrayal, loss of property…But what is crucial is how we approach them. We can perceive difficulties as evil, misfortune, as something that hinders us on our path, or on the contrary, as something that can even be beneficial to man. All the ancient philosophers spoke about how difficulties enable us to awaken and discover our internal strength, through which we can always overcome them, because they say that obstacles come to us in proportion to our strength. What needs to be carried forward is experience.
” …do you think Hercules would even exist if there hadn’t been lions, hydras, deer, and boars, unjust and savage creatures, all of whom he drove away and freed himself from? And what would he have done if such things had not existed? Isn’t it obvious that he would have covered himself up and fallen asleep? First of all, he would not have become Hercules if he had slept comfortably and pleasantly his whole life…”
A comfortable and easy life is directed merely fulfilling the needs of our bodies is something that softens a person physically and mentally, and as such, they are unable to fight everyday dragons. For that, it is necessary to forge internal weapons, namely virtues, on the anvil of difficulties. Epictetus, being a stoic, had a stoic attitude towards difficulties. What does it mean to stoically endure something? Primarily, it means maintaining firmness of belief in the midst of a storm. It is not enough to be thick-skinned, to survive in the toughest situations, but also not to tarnish moral principles in the face of temptations. For a philosopher, that is more valuable than living at any cost. Epictetus says:
“…so, come on, recognize the strengths that belong to you and say – give me whatever danger you want, God, because you have given me the means and the strength to pass through everything honorably.”
About freedom:
Epictetus tells us that free will is the most sublime thing a person possesses. It allows us to live and die with dignity. Free will is not a whimsical and fleeting desire, but a j it stretches its numerous arms for external things and is satisfied when it obtains them. It is an internal tool through which we can always choose to act in a humane and nature-aligned manner. Freedom is an internal state and that is why Epictetus considered himself free, even though he was physically a slave.
Practical advice:
1) “… fulfill the needs of the body: food, drink, clothing, housing, servants, in the simplest way. Avoid external glamour and luxury.”
2) “… when someone engages in improper conversations, if possible, warn them. If not, at least show your disapproval through a fierce silence, blushing, and a serious expression on your face.”
3) “… if you do something believing that you have to do it, do not be ashamed to be seen doing it and don’t worry about others’ judgment… if your action is not right, you will refrain from it yourself. If you act rightly, then you don’t have to fear unjust criticism.”
4) “… your brother does injustice to you. Only fulfill your obligations towards him. Don’t worry about what he does, but about what you must do to 6) “…if you go beyond the limit, the most pleasant will become the most unpleasant.”
We often hear: “Freedom is to do what I want.” Ancient philosophers would ask us which “I” we mean: the animal or the human? Whose freedom do we want? They teach us that man is not just a physical body, but a deeper reality, and that we should strive to liberate the divine part of man from animal burdens. Freedom from lower instincts, urges, cannot lead us anywhere because their goal is only temporary satisfaction. The dignity of man rests in our divine half, and it is up to us to lift our heads above everyday desires and dare to desire what is our human duty – to be fairer, more modest, more responsible, more reliable, freer. That is always in our power, and Epictetus showed us through his life example how it is possible to maintain a cheerful spirit, not deviate from moral principles, and be humane even in very unfavorable circumstances. He did not consider himself a slave, but a philosopher. Therefore, we must not identify ourselves with external characteristics, but rather search for our identity within ourselves.
His example can inspire us to take concrete actions and realize eternal, humane values in our everyday lives. We must be more practical, asking ourselves what we can do here and now to become better and more useful. They say that opportunities are all around us, we just need to be vigilant and seize them. So, let’s get to work!