Enchiridion

Book excerpt: A HANDBOOK FOR LIFE The Enchiridion, or Handbook of Epictetus, is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice which was compiled by Arrian, who was a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Epictetus lived in ancient Greece from 55 to 135 AD. Born into slavery, he endured a permanent physical disability. While enslaved, he studied Stoic philosophy. After attaining his freedom, Epictetus remained a fervent believer of Stoic thought and spent his entire career teaching philosophy and advising a daily regimen of self-examination. He encouraged his students to acknowledge good and evil only in the things they had control over, and not in the circumstances that cannot be controlled by any human being. His pupil Arrian, collected his teacher's philosophical insights and advice and turned them into this popular guide of Stoic wisdom - an instruction manual for a tranquil life. The Enchiridion begins with the statement that "Of things, some depend upon ourselves, others do not depend upon ourselves."Thus, Epictetus makes a distinction between our own internal world and the external world beyond our control. Arrian focused his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy in daily life. The word "encheiridion" is an adjective meaning "in the hand" and when coupled with the word "book", means a handy book or hand-book. In the Discourses, Epictetus often speaks of principles which his pupils should have "ready to hand." Thus, the book is a manual to show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all areas of life.