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Epictetus Biography

Epictetus, Philosopher
Occup.Philosopher
FromGreece
Born55 AC
Hierapolis, Phrygia, Ancient Greece
Died135 AC
Nicopolis, Epirus, Ancient Greece
Early Life
Epictetus was born around 55 AD in Hierapolis, Phrygia, which is now modern-day Turkey. From birth, he involuntarily ended up being a slave and was owned by Epaphroditus, a rich Roman who worked as a secretary to Emperor Nero. It is believed that throughout his early years as a slave, Epictetus got a handicap. While the cause of his impairment is still debated, some sources recommend that it was the result of his master's cruelty, while others argue it was a genetic disability.

Education and Philosophical Thought
Epictetus was deeply influenced by the teachings of Stoicism, a philosophical school of thought founded by Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BC. Stoicism emphasized virtues such as knowledge, courage, and self-control and maintained that external situations do not identify one's joy. Epaphroditus allowed Epictetus to study under one of the leading Stoic philosophers, Musonius Rufus, which assisted form his future contributions to this discipline.

Studying under the assistance of Rufus, Epictetus became skilled in the core tenets of Stoicism, which he later passed on to his students. Epictetus's teachings concentrated on the significance of acknowledging one's control over personal actions and mindsets in spite of having no control over external events. He thought that by concentrating on mastering one's mind and emotions, people could find inner peace and joy regardless of the circumstances they dealt with.

Freedom and Scholarly Pursuits
When Epictetus was approved his freedom after the death of Emperor Nero, he began a teaching profession in Rome. For nearly 25 years, he taught Stoic approach to lots of students who were drawn to his knowledge, wit, and distinct teaching technique. Epictetus did not write his thoughts down but count on his spoken words to motivate and inform his trainees. His mentors were later on transcribed and preserved by one of his most dedicated trainees, Arrian of Nicomedia, who assembled his work into a series of 8 books called "The Discourses".

Exile and Founding of His School
In 93 AD, Emperor Domitian eliminated all theorists from Rome. Subsequently, Epictetus entered into exile where he established a school in Nicopolis, a Greek city on the Adriatic coast. His school attracted many students from different social strata; many were from high-ranking and influential families who took a trip great distances to learn from Epictetus.

As a Stoic philosopher, Epictetus continued teaching till his aging, emphasizing the value of practicing self-discipline in every element of life. He also promoted for simpleness and modesty in one's way of living, concentrating on the belief that external belongings and statuses held no fundamental value.

Death and Legacy
Epictetus passed away around 135 AD, leaving an enduring philosophical legacy that continued to inspire countless generations. His trainee Arrian's work, "The Discourses", as well as the "Enchiridion", a short handbook of Epictetus's central teachings, have affected varied fields, including psychology, ethics, and spiritual idea. Epictetus's philosophy also affected a few of the most noteworthy historic figures, such as Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher in his own right.

In conclusion, Epictetus's biography offers valuable insights into the life of a previous slave who increased to prominence as one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. His mentors on self-discipline, approval of fate, and the pursuit of knowledge continue to hold importance today, using guidance and motivation to people browsing the obstacles of contemporary life.

Our collection contains 54 quotes who is written / told by Epictetus, under the main topics: Happiness - Motivational - Imagination - Wisdom - Health.

Related authors: Marcus Aurelius (Soldier), Philo (Philosopher), Arrian (Historian), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)

Epictetus Famous Works:
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54 Famous quotes by Epictetus

Small: It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows
"It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows"
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Small: Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress
"Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress"
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Small: There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of
"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will"
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Small: If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked
"If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked"
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Small: Its not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters"
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Small: It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulti
"It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting"
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Small: It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death
"It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death"
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Small: It takes more than just a good looking body. Youve got to have the heart and soul to go with it
"It takes more than just a good looking body. You've got to have the heart and soul to go with it"
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Small: It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them
"It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them"
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Small: Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish? Nothing else
"Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish? Nothing else"
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Small: Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in privat
"Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public"
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Small: If you wish to be a writer, write
"If you wish to be a writer, write"
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Small: If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid
"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid"
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Small: Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope
"Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope"
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Small: To accuse others for ones own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that
"To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete"
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Small: Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens
"Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens"
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Small: Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to s
"Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort"
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Small: Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a ret
"Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return?"
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Small: We are not to give credit to the many, who say that none ought to be educated but the free but rather t
"We are not to give credit to the many, who say that none ought to be educated but the free; but rather to the philosophers, who say that the well-educated alone are free"
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Small: Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly
"Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly"
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Small: If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will becom
"If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible"
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Small: If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of thes
"If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it"
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Small: If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy bro
"If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother"
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Small: If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please
"If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please"
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Small: If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it
"If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it"
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Small: He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he h
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has"
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Small: He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk
"He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk"
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Small: God has entrusted me with myself
"God has entrusted me with myself"
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Small: Freedom is the right to live as we wish
"Freedom is the right to live as we wish"
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Small: Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire
"Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire"
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Small: First say to yourself what you would be and then do what you have to do
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do"
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Small: First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak
"First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak"
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Small: Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and
"Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them"
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Small: Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly
"Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly"
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Small: Difficulties are things that show a person what they are
"Difficulties are things that show a person what they are"
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Small: Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee
"Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee"
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Small: Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are bet
"Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant"
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Small: All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way
"All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way"
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Small: All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain
"All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain"
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Small: You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly d
"You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself"
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Small: You are a little soul carrying around a corpse
"You are a little soul carrying around a corpse"
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Small: Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world
"Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world"
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Small: Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a ha
"Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit"
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Small: When you are offended at any mans fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will fo
"When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger"
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Small: The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing
"The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing"
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Small: The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best
"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best"
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Small: The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from
"The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests"
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Small: The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as pos
"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things"
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Small: Silence is safer than speech
"Silence is safer than speech"
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Small: Practice yourself, for heavens sake in little things, and then proceed to greater
"Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater"
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