50–135 AD · Stoic
Epictetus
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Born a slave in Phrygia, lame from a brutal master, sold into Rome, eventually freed. He studied under Musonius Rufus and became one of the most influential Stoic teachers Rome ever produced — until the emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Italy and Epictetus moved his school to Nicopolis in Greece. He wrote nothing himself. Everything we have — the Discourses and the Enchiridion (the "Handbook") — comes from notes taken by his student Arrian. His central question is simple and ruthless: of any situation, what part is up to me, and what part is not? Marcus Aurelius treasured a copy of the Discourses as Emperor.
Known for
- Self-discipline
- Acceptance
- Inner freedom
- Equanimity
Best for
- Anxiety
- Loss of control
- Setbacks
- Anger
DisciplineResilienceWisdomPeaceCourage
Their signature question
“Is this in your control?”