The Enchiridion

EpictetusProject Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

4.6

Word count: 67K words
Chapters: 7

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.The Enchiridion by EpictetusAuthor: Epictetus, 55-135,Language: English, Class: B: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Release Date: Mar 10, 2014

Editor's review

The Enchiridion is a condensed compilation of the thought of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, arranged by his student Arrian. Brief in length, it discusses in the form of maxims and short chapters what is within our control and what is not, and how to adjust desires and judgments accordingly in order to attain inner tranquility. Its value lies in translating abstract Stoic ethics into principles for daily practice; the language is plain and does not rely on complex argument, making it suitable for repeated reading. There is no need to finish it in one sitting; it is better to take one or two passages each day and consider them against your own circumstances. Note that the book carries a distinct ancient Greek philosophical context, and some formulations need to be understood in light of Stoic thought as a whole; it should not be taken out of context as psychological self-help slogans. As a public-domain English translation, it serves as a lightweight reader for philosophical introduction and self-reflection.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Introductory readers who want to understand the core ideas of Stoic philosophy
Self-reflective readers seeking emotional management and inner tranquility
Readers who enjoy maxim-style, fragmented reading
Supplementary readers for philosophy or ethics courses

Not a good fit for

Specialist researchers expecting systematic philosophical argument and detailed annotation
Readers seeking specific psychological treatment plans or clinical advice
Readers who prefer long narrative or plot-driven reading

Reading tips

Read one or two passages a day and write a brief reflection on the troubles you encountered that day.
Keep a notebook to excerpt lines that move you, noting your own understanding and questions.
Read alongside an introduction to Stoic philosophy to avoid treating maxims as isolated slogans.
After one round, review your excerpts and observe how your judgments about what is and is not within your control have changed.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

How is this book different from modern psychological self-help books?

This book is a condensed compilation of ancient Greek Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the use of rational judgment to distinguish between what is and is not within our control, rather than offering emotional regulation techniques or exercise steps. It is closer to philosophical training and principles for living, and requires readers to actively consider it against their own circumstances; it is not a psychological treatment plan that can be applied immediately.

Can I understand it without a philosophy background?

Yes. The book consists mainly of short chapters and maxims, in plain language, and does not rely on complex argument. However, some concepts such as nature, reason, and judgment carry specific Stoic meanings, so it is advisable to read alongside a concise introduction to the philosophical background to avoid misunderstanding them in everyday terms.

Should I read it straight through or selectively?

Selective and repeated reading is more suitable. The book is brief but dense, and reading it straight through item by item easily stays on the surface. It is advisable to take one or two passages a day, consider them against the day's experiences, and keep brief notes; reviewing your excerpts afterward is usually more effective than finishing it in one go.

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About the author

Epictetus Author · Greek

Epictetus (c. 55–c. 135) was a Greek Stoic philosopher, born in Hierapolis in Phrygia (in present-day Turkey) and died in Nicopolis, Greece. He was enslaved in his youth; after being freed he taught in Rome until the emperor Domitian expelled him in 90 CE, after which he continued teaching at Nicopolis. His teachings were compiled by his pupil Arrian into the Discourses and the Enchiridion, which survive today. Five of his works are held in this collection, including the Enchiridion, The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, and a selection from the Discourses. His writing consists mainly of short maxims and dialogue-style exposition, in plain, direct language that stresses virtue and inner freedom, and it has had a lasting influence on the transmission of Stoicism.