The Enchiridion by Epictetus (135)
The work presents a collection of practical ethical teachings rooted in Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. It begins by asserting that our opinions, desires, and aversions are within our power, while external factors such as our body, possessions, and reputation are not. This foundational idea encourages individuals to focus on their internal responses rather than external circumstances, which are often beyond their influence. The text advises against desiring things outside our control, such as wealth or status, as this leads to unhappiness. Instead, it promotes the practice of accepting events as they occur, fostering a mindset that aligns with nature. The importance of self-examination is highlighted, urging individuals to assess their reactions and opinions about events rather than blaming external factors for their distress. Throughout the work, the author emphasizes the significance of maintaining a rational perspective on life’s challenges, advocating for emotional resilience and the cultivation of virtues like temperance, patience, and endurance. The teachings encourage individuals to act in accordance with their values, regardless of societal expectations or external judgments. The text also addresses interpersonal relationships, suggesting that one should approach others with understanding and compassion, recognizing that their actions stem from their own beliefs and perceptions. It promotes the idea of viewing oneself as an actor in a play, where the role assigned by fate should be performed with dignity and acceptance. Moreover, the work underscores the importance of self-discipline and the need to prioritize internal growth over external validation. It advises against excessive concern for bodily pleasures and material possessions, advocating for a life focused on virtue and wisdom. In conclusion, the teachings provide a framework for living a fulfilling life by emphasizing the importance of internal control, rationality, and virtue, while encouraging individuals to accept the nature of existence and their roles within it. The ultimate goal is to achieve tranquility and freedom by aligning one’s desires with what is truly within one’s power.
By Epictetus · First published 135 · Genre: Philosophy, Self-help, Spirituality · 11,567 words
First lines
I: Of things some are in our power, and others are not. In our power are opinion (ὑπόληψις), movement towards a thing (ὁρμή), desire, aversion (ἔκκλισις, turning from a thing); and in a word, whatever are our own acts: not in our power are the body, property, reputation, offices (magisterial power), and in a word, whatever are not our own acts. And the things in our power are by nature free, not subject to restraint nor hindrance: but the things not in our power are weak, slavish, subject to restraint, in the power of others. Remember then that if you think the things which are by nature slavish to be free, and the things which are in the power of others to be your own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed, you will blame both gods and men: but if you think that only which is your own to be your own, and if you think that what is another's, as it really is, belongs to another, no man will ever compel you, no man will hinder you, you will never blame any man, you will accuse no man, you will do nothing involuntarily (against your will), no man will harm you, you will have no enemy, for you will not suffer any harm.
What this Textopian page supports
The Enchiridion is listed on Textopian as an essay by Epictetus, dated 135 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Epictetus
- Date: 135 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Self-help, Spirituality, Non-fiction, Ethics
- Length: 11,567 words
- Structure: 1 section, 112 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Enchiridion by Epictetus
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Enchiridion?
- How does this essay by Epictetus fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Fragments by Epictetus
- Judging Of Strength by Thiruvalluvar
- Of The Inward Growth Of Patience And Of The Struggle Against Evil Desires by Thomas A. Kempis
- The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- Of Bearing Injuries And Who Shall Be Approved As Truly Patient by Thomas A. Kempis
- Manly Exertion by Thiruvalluvar
Genres
- Philosophy — The Enchiridion is a foundational text of Stoic philosophy, focusing on ethics, personal conduct, and the nature of control.
- Self-help — The work provides practical advice for personal improvement and emotional resilience, making it relevant to self-help literature.
- Spirituality — It addresses the relationship between individuals and the divine, emphasizing inner peace and acceptance of fate.
- Non-fiction — The text is a philosophical treatise that presents ideas and teachings rather than a narrative or fictional story.
Tags
Philosophy · Meditations · Stoicism · Ethics · Morality · Self-control · Discipline · Perseverance · Resilience · Wisdom · Knowledge · Action