“Former slave. Teacher of freedom through the mind.”
About
Epictetus was born a slave in Hierapolis (modern Turkey) around 50 CE. Freed after studying under Musonius Rufus, he founded his own school in Nicopolis. He never wrote anything himself — his teachings were recorded by his student Arrian in the Discourses and the condensed Enchiridion. His central teaching: freedom comes from mastering what is within our control.
Primary Sources
Discourses
Enchiridion
Opening Words
E
“You came here with a question — that's already better than most people manage. Before you ask it though: do you know what's actually in your control in this situation? That tends to cut things down to size. Go ahead.”