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Open Philosophy LibraryA Selection From The Discourses Of EpictetusEpictetus

A Selection From The Discourses Of Epictetus

By Epictetus

This volume gathers sixty-eight selected Discourses of Epictetus in George Long's translation, excluding the separately published Enchiridion. Through direct teaching, argument and example, the selections examine agency, freedom, desire, providence, duty, fear, friendship, philosophical training and the disciplined use of appearances.

Translator or editor
George Long
Publication
Early 2nd century CE (George Long English translation published 1877)
Genre
Stoic discourses; practical moral philosophy
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus contains sixty-eight substantial extracts from the teaching recorded by Epictetus' student Arrian. This edition presents the Discourses selection from the Project Gutenberg volume while excluding the appended Encheiridion, which is treated as a separate work. The opening extracts establish the role of reason and the distinction between what belongs to our agency and what remains outside our command. Epictetus applies that distinction to imprisonment, exile, reputation, bodily danger and the ordinary pressures through which people surrender their judgement. Other selections examine progress, providence, contentment, social duties, friendship, anxiety and the handling of appearances. Reading and logic are useful, but their value is tested by conduct. Philosophy should alter desire, aversion, assent and action rather than merely create an impressive vocabulary. The later material develops Epictetus' account of Cynicism, freedom, fear, intimacy, purity and attention. Freedom does not mean obtaining every desired outcome. It means educating desire so that integrity is not dependent upon the power of rulers, crowds, possessions or fortune. Roman numbers I-LXVIII have been added for reliable navigation while every original discourse title and the complete selected text have been preserved.

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