How do I live a happy, meaningful, and flourishing life?
How can I be both noble and effective person?
Answering these bedrock questions was the single-minded passion of Epictetus, the venerable philosopher who was born a slave about A.D.55 in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire.
One of the wittiest and wisest teachers who ever lived, Epictetus observed that everyday life, no matter what our personal circumstances are, is fraught with difficulty. Still, the life of virtue is within the reach of everyone.
The razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living encapsulate the essence of a time-tested philosophy whose reward is unwavering, clear-sighted contentment. By putting into practice Epictetus’s practical guidance, readers will immediately feel a lighter heart and the dawning of invincible inner strength.
This esteemed philosopher’s invaluable insights are here presented by Sharon Lebell for the first time in a splendidly down-to-earth and lively rendition.
The Art of Living is more than mere lessons in coping with the ups and downs of life, but a coherent, elegant system that, if sincerely practiced, instills enduring serenity and moves us gently but steadily toward our highest selves. As both touchstone and guide, The Art of Living is as helpful now as it was in the first.
Epictetus (A.D. 55-A.D. 135) taught in Rome until the year 94, when Emperor Domitian banished philosophers from the city. In exile, he established his school of philosophy where his distinguished students included Marcus Aurelius, author of the Meditations.
Epictetus nevertheless staunchly believed in the necessity of training for the gradual refinement of personal characters and behavior. Moral progress is not the natural province of the highborn, nor is it achieved by accident or luck, but by working on yourself – daily.
He considered himself successful when his ideas were easily grasped and put to use in someone’s real life, where they could actually do some good elevating that person’s character.
I have tried to express the kernels of Epictetus’s thought in an up-to-date, provocative way, one that will inspire readers not only to contemplate, but to make the small, successive changes that culminate in personal dignity and a meaningful, noble life. spend his days delivering lectures on how to live with greater dignity and tranquility.Epictetus walked his talk:
Epictetus believed that the primary job of philosophy is to help ordinary people effectively meet the everyday challenges of daily life, and to deal with life’s inevitable major losses, disappointments, and griefs. His was a moral teaching stripped of sentimentality, piousness, and metaphysical mumbo-jumbo.
to learn The Art of Living is actually a philosophy of inner freedom and tranquility, a way of life whose purpose is to lighten our hearts.First, say to yourself what you would be; Then do what you have to do.