Open Philosophy Library
Open Philosophy LibraryFragments Of EpictetusEpictetus

Fragments Of Epictetus

By Epictetus

The Fragments of Epictetus collect 181 surviving sayings and reports outside the Discourses and Enchiridion. In George Long's 1890 translation, they explore freedom of the will, moderation, wealth, appetite, providence, education and the difference between speaking about philosophy and living it. This edition groups the fragments into ten manageable reading sections while preserving every original number.

Translator or editor
George Long
Publication
2nd century CE (George Long English translation, 1890)
Genre
Stoic philosophy; aphorisms; surviving fragments
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

Fragments of Epictetus preserves 181 sayings and passages attributed to the Stoic teacher outside the surviving Discourses and Enchiridion. Some are brief maxims; others are extended reports transmitted by later writers. Their incomplete contexts make them historically fragmentary, but their ethical direction remains recognisably Epictetan. The collection repeatedly distinguishes character from fortune. Wealth, rank and bodily freedom are external conditions, while genuine liberty depends upon the use of will, judgement, desire and aversion. A person may be outwardly unconstrained yet inwardly enslaved by appetite or fear. Many entries apply philosophy to ordinary behaviour. Food, hospitality, anger, conversation, education and treatment of servants become tests of moderation and social responsibility. Knowledge has value only when it changes conduct. The later fragments return to providence, self-knowledge and the disciplined handling of impressions. The wise person may experience an involuntary first reaction but refuses to confirm a frightening appearance without examination. This edition uses George Long's 1890 English translation and retains all 181 fragment numbers, including the final passages transmitted in Latin and Greek. For readable online navigation, the material is arranged into ten consecutive groups without altering the internal sequence.

Contents

Related Books

Back to top of page ↑