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Epiktet (ca. 50–135 e.Kr.)
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD) – The Freed Slave
Epictetus was born a slave, but later became a free man and one of the most influential Stoic teachers. He did not write himself, but his student Arrian recorded his teachings in the Handbook (Enchiridion) and Speeches.
Core of his ethics:
– Distinguish between what we can control (our will, attitudes) and what we cannot control (external events).
– Do not let yourself be enslaved by emotions, desires or fears.
– Our mind is free – regardless of external circumstances.
Self-control in Epictetus:
Is about using reason to accept fate and respond calmly and consciously to life's trials. He teaches us to be inner masters, not outer slaves.
QUOTES
Here is an elaboration of Epictetus' life and philosophy:
### **Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD) – The Freed Slave**
#### **Life Story**
Epictetus was born a slave in Hierapolis (in modern-day Turkey) and spent part of his early life in Rome as a slave to Epaphroditus, a freed slave who served Emperor Nero. Despite his status, Epictetus developed a strong interest in philosophy, particularly Stoicism. He was later freed and devoted himself to teaching philosophy in Rome. When Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Rome in 93 AD, Epictetus moved to Nicopolis in Greece, where he founded his own philosophical school. His teachings were recorded by his faithful student Arrian in two important works: *The Handbook (Enchiridion)* and *Diatribai (Discourses)*.
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### **Core Ideas in Epictetus' Philosophy**
#### **1. The Control Dichotomy**
Epictus's most central teaching is the distinction between what we can control and what we cannot control:
- **What we can control (prohairetic sphere):** Our opinions, desires, actions, and reactions.
- **What we cannot control:** External events, wealth, health, reputation, other people's actions.
> *"What troubles men is not things, but their opinions of things."*
We suffer when we expect to control the uncontrollable or when we allow external circumstances to determine our inner peace.
#### **2. Freedom through acceptance**
Although Epictus was once a physical slave, he taught that **true freedom lies in the mind**. A person can be free even in chains if they control their thoughts and emotions.
- **Example:** If someone insults you, it is not the insult that hurts you, but your own perception of it.
#### **3. Suffering comes from false beliefs**
Human suffering is often caused by irrational desires:
- Wanting what is beyond our power (e.g. fame, wealth).
- Fearing the inevitable (e.g. death, illness).
The solution is to reshape our desires to conform to the order of nature (and reason).
#### **4. The Ethics of Role and Duty**
Epictus emphasizes that we must accept our position in life and perform our duties with dignity:
- *"Remember that you are an actor in a play, and it is up to the author to decide how long you will act."*
- Whether we are a father, son, teacher, or citizen, we should act with virtue and responsibility.
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### **Practical Application of Epictus' Teachings**
- **Stoic Meditation:** Think about what could go wrong today, and accept that it is beyond your control.
- **Emotional Immunity:** Train yourself not to let external events shake your inner peace.
- **Focus on the Essentials:** Live simply and concentrate on what really matters.
Epictetus’ philosophy is about freeing yourself mentally – regardless of your circumstances. His teachings have influenced both ancient thinkers and modern self-improvement movements, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).