The Discourses of Epictetus
Discover the profound teachings of Epictetus - recorded by his student Arrian, these four books contain the most powerful and practical Stoic philosophy ever written. From slave to sage, learn how to achieve true freedom through virtue and wisdom.
About the Discourses
The Discourses are the teachings of Epictetus (c. 50-135 CE) as recorded by his devoted student Arrian. Born a slave, Epictetus became one of the most influential Stoic teachers, emphasizing practical wisdom and the path to true freedom.
These teachings focus on the core Stoic principle: distinguishing between what we can and cannot control, and finding freedom through virtue and philosophical understanding.
Quick Facts
- Author: Epictetus (c. 50-135 CE)
- Recorded by: Arrian
- Books: 4 (originally 8)
- Chapters: 95 total
- Core Teaching: Dichotomy of control
- Focus: Practical freedom
Essential Discourses to Read First
Begin with these foundational discourses that capture Epictetus most important teachings and provide a solid foundation in Stoic philosophy.
On What Is Up to Us and What Is Not
Fundamental Principle
The foundational teaching of Stoicism - the dichotomy of control.
Read Discourse 1.1 →"Some things are within our power, while others are not."
On Progress
Personal Development
How to measure true philosophical progress and growth.
Read Discourse 1.4 →"Wealth consists in not having great possessions, but in having few wants."
That God Oversees All
Divine Providence
Understanding our place in the cosmic order and divine reason.
Read Discourse 1.14 →"You are a principal work, a fragment torn from God himself."
That Confidence Is Not Incompatible with Caution
Balanced Approach
How to be both confident in character and cautious in externals.
Read Discourse 2.1 →"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things."
How We May Discover Our Duties from Names
Social Roles
Understanding our duties through our relationships and social roles.
Read Discourse 2.10 →"Every art and every faculty contemplates certain things as its principal objects."
On Cynicism
Philosophical Life
The most detailed description of the philosophical life in ancient literature.
Read Discourse 3.22 →"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
On Freedom
True Liberty
The nature of true freedom and how to achieve it through philosophy.
Read Discourse 4.1 →"No one can harm you without your permission."
On Freedom from Fear
Overcoming Fear
How to achieve freedom from fear through proper understanding.
Read Discourse 4.7 →"Its not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
The Four Books
Book I: Fundamentals
30 chapters
Basic principles of Stoicism, the dichotomy of control, and foundations of philosophical life.
Key Themes:
Book II: Progress & Practice
26 chapters
How to make progress in philosophy and apply Stoic principles to daily life.
Key Themes:
Book III: Advanced Teachings
26 chapters
Advanced concepts including the famous discourse on Cynicism and philosophical calling.
Key Themes:
Book IV: Freedom & Mastery
13 chapters
The culmination of Stoic teaching on true freedom and mastery over oneself.
Key Themes:
Famous Teachings from the Discourses
The Dichotomy of Control
"Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are our opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, position, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."
- Discourses 1.1
On True Freedom
"No one can harm you without your permission."
- Discourses 4.1
On Response vs. Events
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
- Discourses 4.7
How to Study the Discourses
Start with Fundamentals
Begin with Book 1, Chapter 1 to understand the core principle of Stoicism.
Practice Daily
Read one discourse per day and reflect on how to apply its teachings.
Apply the Teachings
Test the principles in real situations and track your progress.
Begin Your Study of the Discourses
Start your journey toward true freedom with Epictetus profound teachings.