Stoic Philosopher · Greek · b. c. 50 AD · d. c. 135 AD
Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present-day Pamukkale, Turkey) and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he spent the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in the *Discourses* and the *Enchiridion* (Handbook). Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To him, all external events are beyond our control; we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline.
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