The Enchiridion
Epictetus · ancient · 7k words
A pocket manual of Stoic practice, compiled from the lectures of a philosopher born a slave. The Enchiridion — literally “handbook” — opens with the most useful sentence in ancient philosophy: some things are within our power, and some are not. Everything that follows is instruction in living by that distinction.
Contents
- The Enchiridion31 min
What is in our powerYou kiss a mortalDisturbed by opinions, not thingsLike a voyage: the captain callsWish for what happensDisease impedes the body, not the will'Returned', not 'lost'At life's banquetAn actor in the playDeath daily before your eyesRules for daily conductEvery thing has two handlesShow your philosophy, don't speak itHow long will you wait?Lead me, O Zeus and thou, Destiny