Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics)

Writings from 2000 years ago that are still very much relevant today, indeed timeless. It can be heavy going in parts but stick with it as the are some real gems to be found. It’s a book you can refer back to and quote a few lines from to you friends as well as live by. I particularly like the reference to ‘externals’ for all those things that are outside our control. Nice way to sum it up. We are always in control of how we can respond that’s another message I took. All in all a great book.

The morality of Greek philosophers was the antithesis of our modern one: they believed we should eschew all material desires, not because of some dictate of the heavens, but because they can never be satisfied and come to tyrannise us rather than make us happy. Like Epicurus, Epictetus believed that you had to implement your own philosophy so for his followers it became a quasi-religion. The quasi is justified by the fact that they never drifted away from rational thought. Read Epictetus on why we should not be angry when our neighbour steals from our house, and you will find his logic quite convincing. His thoughts survive (mainly in the form written down by one of his students) because the Church found this Theistic philosopher acceptable, but he is now somewhat ignored. This excellent new translation reads very well, and should encourage us to revisit this thinker.

Noice

Not the easiest read but essential for all grown ups with a brain.

A very worthwhile read. That frames and contextualise subject writings, into thought provoking statements of morality.

Classic text Pages and their binding is good. Epictetus was Greek of Roman period, Hierapolis was ancient Greek city, and not “greek speaking”, or ”Greaco-Roman” or other. As Britannica and Stanford encyclopedias also include, there seems to be a new trend in general, in everything, of removing identities, but that identity existed in the ancient Greek world and was valid.

Ancient though it may be, there is much in these writings that pertain to modern life as much as they did when original laid down. I am not over selling this when I say that my discovery of Stoic philosophy has saved my sanity, if not my life. Accordingly, it has become as important to me as religion may be to others. This book numbers among several texts on this subject that have become my touchstone, my guide and to which I refer daily. Most highly recommended. BTG

This is a slow but very rewarding read. Apparently, there is a Chinese proverb that says that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. That's sort of how I feel about this book - wish I had read it a long time ago, but also grateful that I have found it now.

Just started reading the book and already I keep it with me and read it when I can. Keep in mind that Epictetus never wrote anything down - it was all jotted down by his pupil Arrian (I am still pondering on how he accomplished this). There is a lot of what is mentioned that is relevant today. Quite a few pieces are thought provoking and filled with such profound wisdom. Sometimes you need to set the book down and think about it for a moment. I write notes down and mark the reference page so that I can quickly refer to it later to think and contemplate on it. Definitely a great find. And best of all very comprehensive & easy to read (kudos to the translator)

You should definitely read this book .

Verkoper verkoopt schaamteloos tweedehands boeken als nieuw

Hay muchos libros de Epicteto en el mercado, pero este incluye los discursos y por lo tanto vale mucho más la pena, hay más contexto, se entiende mejor, amplia información.

goed boek slecht kwaliteit papier scheurt makkelijk en de onderkant van sommige bladzijden zitten nog aan elkaar