Book Extract | How to Live - A Handbook of Stoic Philosophy: Discourses and The Enchiridion by Epictetus

Book Extract

Excerpted with permission from the publishers How to Live - A Handbook of Stoic Philosophy: Discourses and The Enchiridion by Epictetus, published by Fingerprint! Publishing
*******Some extracts

Begin by prescribing to yourself some character and demeanour, such as you may preserve both alone and in company.

Be mostly silent, or speak merely what is needful, and in few words. We may, however, enter sparingly into discourse sometimes, when occasion calls for it; but let it not run on any of the common subjects, as gladiators, or horse races, or athletic champions, or food, or drink—the vulgar topics of conversation—and especially not on men, so as either to blame, or praise, or make comparisons. If you are able, then, by your own conversation, bring over that of your company to proper subjects; but if you happen to find yourself among strangers, be silent.

Let not your laughter be loud, frequent, or abundant.

Avoid taking oaths, if possible, altogether; at any rate, so far as you are able.

Avoid public and vulgar entertainments; but if ever an occasion calls you to them, keep your attention upon the stretch, that you may not imperceptibly slide into vulgarity. For be assured that if a person be ever so pure himself, yet, if his companion be corrupted, he who converses with him will be corrupted likewise.

Provide things relating to the body no further than absolute need requires, as meat, drink, clothing, house, retinue. But cut off everything that looks toward show and luxury.

If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you, but answer: “He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.”

It is not necessary for you to appear often at public spectacles; but if ever there is a proper occasion for you to be there, do not appear more solicitous for any other than for yourself—that is, wish things to be only just as they are, and only the best man to win; for thus nothing will go against you. But abstain entirely from acclamations and derision and violent emotions. And when you come away, do not discourse a great deal on what has passed and what contributes nothing to your own amendment. For it would appear by such discourse that you were dazzled by the show.

Be not prompt or ready to attend private recitations; but if you do attend, preserve your gravity and dignity, and yet avoid making yourself disagreeable.

When you are going to confer with anyone, and especially with one who seems your superior, represent to yourself how Socrates or Zeno would behave in such a case, and you will not be at a loss to meet properly whatever may occur.

When you are going before anyone in power, fancy to yourself that you may not find him at home, that you may be shut out, that the doors may not be opened to you, that he may not notice you. If, with all this, it be your duty to go, bear what happens and never say to yourself, “It was not worth so much”; for this is vulgar, and like a man bewildered by externals.

In company, avoid a frequent and excessive mention of your own actions and dangers. For however agreeable it may be to yourself to allude to the risks you have run, it is not equally agreeable to others to hear your adventures. Avoid likewise an endeavour to excite laughter, for this may readily slide you into vulgarity, and, besides, may be apt to lower you in the esteem of your acquaintance. Approaches to indecent discourse are likewise dangerous. Therefore, when anything of this sort happens, use the first fit opportunity to rebuke him who makes advances that way, or, at least, by silence and blushing and a serious look show yourself to be displeased by such talk.

Remember that you must behave in life as at a dinner party. Is anything brought around to you? Put out your hand and take your share with moderation. Does it pass by you? Don’t stop it. Is it not yet come? Don’t stretch your desire towards it, but wait till it reaches you. Do this with regard to children, to a wife, to public posts, to riches, and you will eventually be a worthy partner of the feasts of the gods. And if you don’t even take the things which are set before you, but are able even to reject them, then you will not only be a partner at the feasts of the gods, but also of their empire.

If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.”

Our master is anyone who has the power to implement or prevent the things that we want or don't want. Whoever wants to be free, therefore, should wish for nothing or avoid nothing that is up to other people". This highlights the importance of focusing on our own actions and judgments, rather than external events or the opinions of others

Nature has given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak

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Epictetus How to Live - A Handbook of Stoic Philosophy: Discourses and The Enchiridion Fingerprint! Publishing, 2024. Hb. Pp.232

Epictetus, a luminary in the realm of Stoic philosophy, first saw the light of day as a slave in the ancient city of Hierapolis, Phrygia, nestled in what is now the enchanting landscape of Pamukkale, Turkey. His journey took him to the heart of Rome, until fate swept him to the shores of Nicopolis in northwestern Greece. It was there, amid the whispers of the ages, that he carved his indelible mark on history and breathed his last. The essence of his wisdom was captured for eternity by his devoted pupil, Arrian, in the seminal works, the Discourses and The Enchiridion.

This ancient manual for living offers a blueprint for resilience, emotional intelligence, and personal freedom amidst the chaos of modern life. Its teachings on the power of perspective, the importance of focusing on what’s within our control, and the pursuit of virtue over external successes resonate with contemporary seekers of meaning and well-being. Amidst the noise of digital distractions and societal pressures, the book serves as a compass, guiding individuals towards a life of purpose, tranquillity, and self-mastery, proving that Stoic philosophy remains a vital source of inspiration and practical guidance for navigating the challenges of the modern world.

Epictetus, a renowned ancient Greek philosopher, emerged as a prominent figure in Stoic philosophy during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Born into slavery, his journey to enlightenment is as inspiring as his teachings. Epictetus' profound insights on ethics, resilience, and the human condition are encapsulated in his Discourses and The Enchiridion, timeless works that continue to shape philosophical thought. His pragmatic approach to life's challenges has made him an enduring influence on countless individuals seeking wisdom and inner peace.