Epictetus

Broschiertes Buch

The Teaching of Epictetus

Beschreibung

Epictetus (55 - 135 AD) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey) and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion. Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are beyond our control; we should accept calmly and dispassionately whatever happens. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Epictetus was born c. 55 A.D., presumably at Hierapolis, Phrygia. The name his parents gave him is unknown; the word epiktetos in Greek simply means "gained" or "acquired"; the Greek philosopher Plato, in his Laws, uses the term as property that is "added to one's hereditary property". He spent his youth as a slave in Rome to Epaphroditos, a wealthy freedman and secretary to Nero. Early in life, Epictetus acquired a passion for philosophy and, with the permission of his wealthy owner, he studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus, which allowed him to rise in respectability as he grew more educated. Somehow, he became crippled. Origen stated that his leg was deliberately broken by his master. Simplicius stated that he had been lame from childhood. Epictetus obtained his freedom sometime after the death of Nero in 68 A.D., and he began to teach philosophy in Rome. About 93 A.D. Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from the city, and Epictetus went to Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, where he founded a philosophical school. He lived a life of great simplicity, with few possessions. He lived alone for a long time, but in his old age he adopted a friend's child who otherwise would have been left to die, and raised him with the aid of a woman. It is unclear whether Epictetus and she were married. He died sometime around 135 A.D. After his death, according to Lucian, his oil lamp was purchased by an admirer for 3,000 drachmae. (wikipedia.org)

Autor

Epictetus, born into slavery around 50 AD, later rose to become one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. After being freed, he studied under the Stoic Musonius Rufus in Rome, where he developed his teachings focused on personal ethics and mental resilience. His life and philosophy were deeply rooted in the belief that individuals should focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot.Exiled from Rome by Emperor Domitian's ban on philosophers, Epictetus founded his own school in Nicopolis, Greece. There, he taught practical wisdom, emphasizing self-mastery, inner freedom, and a disciplined approach to life's challenges. His teachings, although orally delivered, were recorded by his student Arrian, preserving his insights for future generations.Epictetus's influence extended well beyond his lifetime, shaping both ancient and modern thought. His ideas resonated with Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and later inspired thinkers of the Enlightenment and beyond. Today, his works continue to be studied for their powerful guidance on resilience, virtue, and the pursuit of inner peace.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bibliotech Press
• Seitenzahl: 156
• Erscheinungstermin: 27. Februar 2020
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 9mm
• Gewicht: 264g
• ISBN-13: 9781647993382
• ISBN-10: 1647993385
• Artikelnr.: 58765971