Epictetus Ancient Greek sage and Stoic philosopher Country: Greece

1. Biography of Epictetus
2. Teachings and Philosophy
3. Early Life and Education
4. Exile and Later Life
5. Simple Life and Legacy

Biography of Epictetus

Epictetus was an ancient Greek sage and Stoic philosopher. He was born into slavery in the city of Hierapolis, Phrygia, which is now known as Pamukkale, one of the most important tourist centers in Turkey. He lived in Rome until his exile, after which he went to Nicopolis, a city in northwest Greece, where he remained until the end of his life.

Teachings and Philosophy

Epictetus' teachings were recorded and published by his student Arrian under the title 'Discourses of Epictetus'. According to Epictetus, philosophy is a way of life, not just a theoretical discipline. He believed that all events in the external world are predetermined by fate and thus beyond an individual's control. However, a person can accept everything that happens with calmness and impartiality. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can control through strict self-discipline. Suffering arises when a person tries to control what cannot be controlled or neglects their own abilities. As part of the Universe, humans have a duty to care for all their fellow beings. It is assumed that a person who follows these principles will achieve happiness and inner tranquility.

Early Life and Education

Epictetus was born around 55 AD in Hierapolis, Phrygia. His birth name, if he was given one, remains unknown, but the Greek word 'epiktetos' translates to 'acquired' in English. It is also unknown how Epictetus ended up in Rome during his early years, but it is believed to have been through the efforts of slave traders. He spent his youth as a slave in the household of Epaphroditus, a wealthy Roman freedman and secretary to Emperor Nero. From the beginning of his time with Epaphroditus, Epictetus displayed a passion for philosophy and was allowed by his owner to study the philosophical views of the Stoics under the guidance of the Roman philosopher Gaius Musonius Rufus. As he grew more educated than the average slave, Epictetus gained a more significant position in Epaphroditus' household. It is known that Epictetus had a physical disability and was lame. The Greek Christian philosopher Origen, who lived much later, told a story that his owner caused his lameness. Again, it is unknown how Epictetus obtained his freedom, but eventually, he started teaching philosophy in Rome.

Exile and Later Life

Around 93 AD, Emperor Domitian expelled all philosophers from Rome, and later from Italy. Epictetus then went to Nicopolis, a city in southwestern Epirus, Greece, where he established a philosophical school. His most famous student was the historian and geographer Lucius Flavius Arrianus, who later became a high-ranking official in the Roman Empire. Arrian studied with Epictetus in his youth, around 108 AD. The philosopher himself did not leave behind any writings, and Arrian, based on his teacher's lectures, wrote the multi-volume treatise 'Discourses of Epictetus', although some scholars argue that this work should be considered an original literary work by Arrian. Arrian describes Epictetus as a powerful orator who could make his listeners feel exactly what the philosopher wanted them to feel. Many prominent figures of his time sought his company, and Emperor Hadrian honored Epictetus with his friendship and possibly attended his lectures at the philosopher's school in Nicopolis.

Simple Life and Legacy

Epictetus lived a very simple life and had little material wealth. For a long time, the philosopher lived in solitude, but in his old age, he adopted the child of a friend who would otherwise have had to rely on the mercy of fate. Otherwise, he likely would have died of hunger. Epictetus hired a woman to assist him and raised the boy. Epictetus died around 135 AD. After his death, one admirer bought his lamp for 3000 drachmas.