埃皮克提图

Epictetus

Stoicism · person

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.

Some things are in our control and others not.

— Enchiridion, Chapter 1 (Epictetus)

What Are the Key Facts About Epictetus?

  • Tradition: Stoicism
  • Chinese: 埃皮克提图
  • Category: Person
  • Definition: Epictetus (c.

What Concepts Are Related to Epictetus?

Ataraxia 宁静
Interpretively related
Epictetus taught the path to ataraxia
 Stoic Sage 圣人
Interpretively related
Epictetus described the sage

Frequently Asked Questions About Epictetus

Who was Epictetus?

Epictetus (c. 55–135 CE) was a former slave and one of the most influential Stoics, whose teachings (recorded by Arrian in the Discourses and the Encheiridion) center on what is and isn't in our control.

What is his core teaching?

The dichotomy of control: 'Some things are up to us, others not' — peace comes from focusing effort on our judgments/choices and accepting externals as fate.

What did he say about freedom?

No man is free who is not master of himself'; freedom is inner, won by assenting only to what reason permits and not to passions.

How did he influence later thought?

His Encheiridion shaped Roman, Christian, and modern Stoicism and influenced thinkers from Marcus Aurelius to modern cognitive therapy.

Further Reading