Book description
'About things that are within our power and those that are not.'
Epictetus's Discourses have been the most widely read and influential of all writings of Stoic philosophy, from antiquity onwards. They set out the core ethical principles of Stoicism in a form designed to help people put them into…
- Coming soon!
Why read it?
2 authors picked Discourses, Fragments, Handbook as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Author Elif Batuman wrote of the Stoic Epictetus, he “won me over with his tone, which was that of an enraged athletics coach.” He is feisty, demanding, sarcastic, but he can be surprisingly poignant and occasionally empathetic to his audience. Epictetus himself wrote nothing; what survives was written down by a student. We therefore witness Epictetus live as he works with his own student or even when he talks with magistrates who would came to consult with him at the end of the day. Epictetus had been a slave early in life so it packs quite a wallop when he…
From Brian's list on Stoicism through the eyes of a philosophy professor.
It is by listening to Epictetus that we best learn the way of the ancient Stoics. Epictetus’ Discourses and Handbook are, arguably, the works that have most shaped Stoicism for the last two thousand years. Listening to Epictetus, we become aware of our ways (our thoughts, beliefs, concepts, and behaviours) that have been shaped by the ancient Stoics. Listening to Epictetus, we learn of a way that offers much that can still help us to improve our own way to a better life.
From Gary's list on understanding Stoicism from multiple perspectives.
If you love Discourses, Fragments, Handbook...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…
Want books like Discourses, Fragments, Handbook?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Discourses, Fragments, Handbook, you might also like...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…
Living On Purpose
Many people from all walks of life, even after many accomplishments and experiences, are often plagued by dissatisfaction, pervasive longing, and deep questioning. These feelings may make them wonder if they are living the life they were meant to lead.
Living on Purpose is the guidebook these people have been…
