The Discourses Of Epictetus – Book 1

How to Prepare for Life’s Difficulties with Stoicism: Insights From Epictetus

How to deal with Difficult Circumstances Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.30 How do we prepare for life’s difficulties? As we all know, life is a string of events. Some happen in accordance with our hopes and desires, some spare us from the things we wish to avoid, but most don’t. In fact, Nature, Fate, or […]

Posted on 16/03/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

Where is the Good Life Found: Our Sphere of Choice

On Steadfastness Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.29: Where can we find the good life? It seems we are all searching for that moment when everything clicks, when bliss and happiness are fully present. Some seek it in their jobs, families, possessions, or power. But in Discourse 29 of Book 1, Epictetus lays it out in […]

Posted on 12/03/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

Why not be angry with others: What is Great and Small in Life?

Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.23: That We Should Not Be Angry With Others; And What Things Are Great, And What Small, Amongst Men? Why should we not be angry with others? Discourse 1.28 follows the conversation Epictetus had in Discourse 1.27 on impression and the importance of right judgment. He shows us why we should […]

Posted on 09/02/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

Understanding Stoic Impressions: How Epictetus Explains Our Perception of Reality

Stoic Impressions Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.27 Understanding our impressions and knowing how to deal with them is key in Stoic philosophy. They say that the only good is Virtue and that we must live in accordance with Nature, but all of that falls flat if we can’t perceive the world as it truly is […]

Posted on 18/01/2025 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

What is the Law of Life: The Philosopher’s Way

The Law of Life Epictetus, Discourses, 1.26 “Far more important is the law of life, that we must do what follows from nature.” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 26.1 As with many things in Stoic philosophy, the theory can be explained simply. Here, Epictetus manages it in one sentence. The difficulty lies in the […]

Posted on 29/12/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

What to Worry About? A Good or Bad Life is Your Choice

Choosing a Good or Bad Life The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 1.25 “If these things are true, and we are not stupid or acting a part when we say that good or ill for man lies in choice, and that all else is nothing to us, why are we still troubled?” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book […]

Posted on 30/11/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

How to Deal with Difficulties: Remember What is Your Own

How Should We Struggle Against Difficulties? The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 1.24 You can find more Epictetus quotes here. How do we deal with difficulties in our lives? We all face them, and some are worse than others. This is a big topic in Stoic philosophy because the Stoics knew that the obstacles we face […]

Posted on 13/10/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

Is the Wise Person a Social Being or Not? Epictetus Vs. Epicurus

Against Epicurus The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 1.23 Is the wise person a social being? What is our obligation to society? Can we remove ourselves from our duties because they would cause us distress? According to Epicurus, that’s exactly what we should do. In this discourse, Epictetus takes on these thoughts and the entire Epicurean […]

Posted on 22/09/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

How to Align Preconceptions with Nature: Where Does the Good Lie

On Preconceptions The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 1.22 How can we align our preconceptions with nature and have them examine the good of life? In this discourse of Epictetus, as recorded by Arrian, we are asked to look at our preconceptions. Our Stoic teacher starts by saying that we all have our assumptions about what […]

Posted on 23/06/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus - Book 1

What is Admiration: A False Promise to Happiness

Delve into the discourse by Epictetus and unravel the meaning and impact of admiration. Understand the impact this praise has on our lives.

Posted on 16/06/2024 by Benny Voncken / 0 comments

The Discourses Of Epictetus – Book 1

The Pause