Epictetus

Part of Stoicism

Epictetus (c. 50–135 CE) was a Greek Stoic philosopher born into slavery in Hierapolis (modern-day Turkey). After gaining his freedom, he taught Stoic philosophy in Rome and later founded his own school in Nicopolis, Greece. His teachings were recorded by his student Arrian in two works: the Discourses and the Enchiridion (Handbook). His philosophy centers on the dichotomy of control — distinguishing what is up to us (judgment, choice, will) from what is not — as the foundation for inner freedom and resilience.

As the Stoic philosophers — Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus — wrote in their enduring works of practical philosophy, Epictetus represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.