The Discourses
In 'The Discourses,' Epictetus shares profound teachings on Stoicism that emphasize the importance of inner strength and resilience. He challenges readers to focus on what they can control and to embrace their fate with courage. Through engaging dialogues, he reveals how to cultivate a tranquil mind amid life's chaos. Epictetus's wisdom encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of virtue, making his insights timeless. Prepare to transform your understanding of happiness and mastery over oneself.
By Epictetus
Published: 2017
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of extracts of the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus written down by Arrian c. 108 AD. There were originally eight books, but only four now remain in their entirety, along with a few fragments of the others. In a preface attached to the Discourses, Arrian explains how he came to write them:I neither wrote these Discourses of Epictetus in the way in which a man might write such things; nor did I make them public myself, inasmuch as I declare that I did not even write them. But whatever I heard him say, the same I attempted to write down in his own words as nearly as possible, for the purpose of preserving them as memorials to myself afterwards of the thoughts and the freedom of speech of Epictetus.The Discourses are unlikely to be word-for-word transcriptions and are probably written-up versions of Arrian's lecture notes. The books did not have a formal title in ancient times.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Discourses
About the Author
Epictetus
Epictetus (c. 55 – 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher known for his teachings on ethics and personal resilience. Born a slave in Phrygia, he gained his freedom and established a school of philosophy in Nicopolis, Greece. His most notable works include the 'Discourses' and the 'Enchiridion', both of which focus on Stoic principles such as the importance of self-control and rationality in overcoming adversity. Epictetus's writing style is characterized by its clarity and practical approach, offering profound insights into the human experience and the pursuit of virtue.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Epictetus
- Published
- September 2017
- Publisher
- N/A
- ISBN
- 154971709X
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 132
- Genres
- Self-HelpPhilosophySpiritual GrowthEastern Philosophy
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Ikigai
Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
The Obstacle Is the Way
Ryan Holiday
The Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
Lives of the Stoics
Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
Stillness Is the Key
Ryan Holiday
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Donald J. Robertson
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Informed Parent
Tara Haelle, Emily Willingham, Ph.D.
Showing 8 of 30 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Josh Waitzkin's Book Recommendations
Josh Waitzkin is a renowned chess prodigy whose life inspired the film "Searching for Bobby Fischer." He earned the title of National Master at the age of 13 and later became an International Master. Transitioning from chess, Waitzkin achieved national championship titles in Tai Chi Chuan. His literary contribution includes the bestselling book "The Art of Learning," which explores the process of mastering any skill. Waitzkin is also the co-founder of the JW Foundation, which promotes the cultivation of learning and performance in children.
View Collection
Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is an American actress, humanitarian, and author known for her role as Rachel Zane on the television series "Suits." After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, she became a prominent figure in the British royal family and an advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2021, she published her first children's book, "The Bench," which explores the bond between fathers and sons through a mother's eyes. Markle's literary work reflects her commitment to storytelling and her passion for fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond literature, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry to promote compassion and well-being globally.
View Collection
Shane Parrish's Book Recommendations
Shane Parrish is a renowned author and the founder of Farnam Street, a popular blog dedicated to personal development and decision-making. His insightful writings delve into mental models, critical thinking, and learning strategies, earning him a significant following among intellectuals and professionals alike. Parrish's work emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and thinking differently to achieve success. He is also the host of "The Knowledge Project" podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers to uncover their wisdom. His contributions have made a substantial impact on how readers approach problem-solving and personal growth.
View Collection
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations
Bryan Johnson is an American entrepreneur, investor, and futurist, best known for founding Braintree, a payments company that was acquired by PayPal, and Kernel, a company focused on developing brain-computer interfaces. Johnson is deeply interested in advancing human cognition and longevity through technological innovation. His work at Kernel seeks to better understand the brain and its potential to enhance human intelligence. He is also the founder of OS Fund, which invests in companies tackling complex, world-changing problems in areas like health and energy. Johnson is a strong advocate for using technology to extend human potential and reshape the future of humanity.
View Collection
Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations
Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.
View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations
Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 25 related collections
“It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
The Discourses
By Epictetus
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.