THE ENCHIRIDION & DISCOURSES

By Epictetus
Read by Hayward B. Morse
13 hours 16 minutes

The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the 2nd century by the Stoic philosopher, Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originator Zeno (3rd Century BCE) and Seneca (1st century CE). Epictetus didn’t leave a formal written legacy, but his pupil Arrian collected his teachings and posterity now has The Enchiridion and the Discourses. The first is a short compilation of Stoical precepts – how to live an ethical life. It is essentially about everyday life, and it maintained its popularity throughout the succeeding centuries, on a par with the other principal concise Stoic document from the Roman period, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – who had clearly read it. The Enchiridion is presented here in the translation by Thomas W. Higginson. The Discourses, a much longer text again compiled by Arrian, contains a more comprehensive view of the teachings of Epictetus. The Discourses are translated by George Long.slated by George Long.