Library / Philosophy

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus

Epictetus

Steady words for when anxiety takes over. A selection of Epictetus's most memorable passages, arranged by theme and easy to read in a minute.

Reading: 9 chapters
Format: Text + tutor
Price: $4.99

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About the book

A work to return to, not to consume.

This book gathers the most memorable passages from Epictetus's lessons into short sayings, arranged in nine themed chapters. It begins with the idea that you belong to a meaningful whole and moves toward what mattered most to him: the freedom that comes from what is up to you, the good placed in your choices rather than in things, the daily training of judgment, relations with others and how to love without possessing. The final chapters speak of fortitude, contentment, the true philosopher compared with the one who only looks the part, and death seen without drama. Because these are fragments, you can read them in any order and in a few minutes. It is a good choice if you already know Epictetus or if you prefer strong lines to long treatises.

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Answers from this edition and says when it interprets beyond a quote.

If you choose, you are free; if you choose, you need blame no man—accuse no man.

Epictetus · — Chapter 1

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Inside the book

Chapters

01
Of God, the Universe, and the Soul of Man13 min read
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02
Of Desires, Aversions, and True Freedom11 min read
Included
03
Of the True Nature of Good and Evil11 min read
Included
04
Of Our Relations to Others and Social Duties13 min read
Included
05
Of Fortitude, Endurance, and Providence10 min read
Included
06
Of the Discipline of the Will and Desires11 min read
Included
07
Of Contentment, Peace of Mind, and Resignation11 min read
Included
08
Of Philosophy, the Cynic, and the True Sage12 min read
Included
09
Of Death, Freedom, and Fragments16 min read
Included

The author

Epictetus

Epictetus (c. 50–135) went from slave in Rome to teacher of Stoic philosophy in Nicopolis, in Greece. He taught that freedom lies in what you choose to desire and refuse, and that no one can harm your will. He wrote nothing: his words reached us through his student Arrian. This themed selection gathers some of his most quoted passages, faithfully presented.

Questions

How is it different from the Discourses?

It is a themed selection of sayings and short passages. The Discourses are the full classes; here you get the essentials in small doses.

Am I really talking with Epictetus?

No. The conversation is an AI recreation* inspired by the text: it is not Epictetus and it can be wrong. Use it to think the book through, not as the author's own word.

How much does it cost?

The book costs US$4.99, or it comes included in ChaTutor Plus. You can read the opening of chapter 1 without signing up. A free account unlocks the whole chapter, the tutor and a full book free every week.

Is the book complete?

Yes: the complete text, chapter by chapter, in English and Spanish.

* AI recreation. Not the author; it may contain errors.