Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life by A.A. Long

One of the deepest dives into the life, philosophy, history, and methods of Epictetus, which creates a well-rounded understanding of this enigmatic Stoic teacher.

Summary

Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life explores the depth of this ancient Stoic philosopher. Long begins by painting the intellectual and cultural context in which Epictetus lived. He highlights the methodology and its connection to Socratic dialogue in the first part of the book.

In chapter five, Long translates two discourses and provides his analysis of their style and themes. Having translated the Discourses before, he brings an exceptional familiarity with the text.

From chapter six onward, the book offers a more sustained treatment of Epictetus’ philosophy. While earlier chapters touch on many ideas, here Long develops them in greater detail, topic by topic. The book concludes by linking Epictetus’s thought to what we can learn from him today.

Want to go deeper? Explore the life and philosophy of Epictetus.

Review

From the very beginning, the book conveys a strong sense of authority. The reader can feel how well Long understands both the Discourses and the mind of Epictetus. Drawing on his translations and previous work, he paints a picture that goes beyond any other study I’ve read on this Stoic philosopher.

Although the text sometimes leans toward the academic, it remains accessible and easy to follow. It is clear that Long wrote it out of personal interest, yet with the general reader in mind. This is not a book to begin with; it requires some familiarity with Stoicism to fully appreciate, which also makes it more rewarding to read.

By the end, you feel as if you know Epictetus on a deeper, more personal, and philosophical level. The influence of Socrates is especially engaging, and the attention Long devotes to this aspect makes the book stand out. There is also a subtle personal touch that shows how closely the author feels connected to Epictetus, not only philosophically, but also on a human level.

Recommendation

If you are interested in Stoicism and have already read the Discourses or the Handbook of Epictetus, followed by How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci, then Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life is the perfect next step. It is not one to start with, since it is too specific for beginners, but with the right context, it becomes a deeply rewarding read.

It is a must-read for anyone serious about their Stoic journey and eager to draw from the ancient sources to live Stoicism today.

Final thoughts

This is one of those books I’m grateful to have come across, and it makes me want to know Epictetus even more. It not only personalizes the ancient Stoic teacher but also creates a multi-layered picture of his whole life. If you want to move from knowing about Stoicism to truly understanding Epictetus, this is the book to read.

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Author Bio

Benny Voncken is the founder of Via Stoica and host of The Via Stoica Podcast. He has practiced Stoicism as a way of life for over seven years and draws on almost 15 years of teaching experience to turn dense ancient ideas into daily practice. Since 2023 he has coached clients around the world through one-on-one Stoic coaching. He also leads Stoic walks across Europe, writes the monthly newsletter The Pause, and has spoken at Stoicon.