Introductory Note |
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Introductory Note
Introductory Note
Epictetus was a Greek, born at Hierapolis in Phrygia, probably about the
middle of the first century A.D. His early history is unknown till we find him
in Rome, the slave of Epaphroditus, a freedman of Nero`s. The lameness, which
is the only physical characteristic of his recorded, was, according to one
tradition, due to tortures inflicted by his master. He seems to have become
acquainted with the principles of the Stoic philosophy through the lectures of
C. Musonius Rufus; and after his emancipation he became a teacher of that
system in Rome. When the Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Italy
about 90 A.D., Epictetus went to Nicopolis in Epirus, where he continued his
teaching. He left nothing in writing, and for a knowledge of his utterances we
are indebted to his disciple, the Greek philosopher and historian Arrian, who
compiled from his master`s lectures and conversations the "Discourses and
Encheiridion," from which the "Golden Sayings" are drawn. The date and
circumstances of his death are unknown.
Epictetus is a main authority on Stoic morals. The points on which he
laid chief stress were the importance of cultivating complete independence of
external circumstances, the realization that man must find happiness within
himself, and the duty of reverencing the voice of Reason in the soul. Few
teachers of morals in any age are so bracing and invigorating; and the tonic
quality of his utterances has been recognized ever since his own day by Pagan
and Christian alike.
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