How to Be Free pdf

Epictetus: So he is the philosopher of freedom in the age of slavery, and the caller to good in an age that smells of evil. Epictetus was born in about 50 AD, in Hierapolis, in the Roman state of Phrygia, and despite being a slave in a Heraclius society with distinction, in which it is difficult for slaves to be anything but slaves, he was able to teach him philosophy, From the yoke of slavery after the death of Emperor Nero, he was free in his heart before his body was freed. Epictetus, one of the poles of Stoic philosophy, founded his philosophical school in Nicopolis, and his reputation became so popular that Emperor Marcus Aurelius decided to attend a lecture for him, and made use of it in his book “Reflections.” Epictetus called for goodness and freedom, and called for three types of duties: the first, toward the self, purifying the body and soul; the second towards others as part of society; The third is towards God. Epictetus asserted that freedom is an internal matter; Where the slave can be free if he is freed from his desires, and the master may be a slave if he is a prisoner of his desires. He also discussed the issue of good and evil, emphasizing that things by their nature are neither good nor evil, but that our attitude towards them is what gives them this or that quality. The philosophy of Epictetus was a silent outcry for the oppressed in a purely servile system, and this tendency left its mark on Roman, then Christian and Russian philosophy from afar. Just like Socrates, Epictetus did not leave any written traces, but it was his student Arrian who wrote about him. Epictetus' life was not happy even after he had gained his freedom; In 89 AD, Emperor Domitanos exiled him. Epictetus died in exile, and on his tomb was written: "A lame servant, destitute, but dear to the gods."

How to Be Free pdf by Epictetus

How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life

A superb new edition of Epictetus's famed handbook on Stoicism--translated by one of the world's leading authorities on Stoic philosophy
Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison. In How to Be Free, A. A. Long--one of the world's leading authorities on Stoicism and a pioneer in its remarkable contemporary revival--provides a superb new edition of Epictetus's celebrated guide to the Stoic philosophy of life (the Encheiridion) along with a selection of related reflections in his Discourses.
Freedom, for Epictetus, is not a human right or a political prerogative but a psychological and ethical achievement, a gift that we alone can bestow on ourselves. We can all be free, but only if we learn to assign paramount value to what we can control (our motivations and reactions), treat what we cannot control with equanimity, and view our circumstances as opportunities to do well and be well, no matter what happens to us through misfortune or the actions of other people.
How to Be Free features splendid new translations and the original Greek on facing pages, a compelling introduction that sets Epictetus in context and describes the importance of Stoic freedom today, and an invaluable glossary of key words and concepts. The result is an unmatched introduction to this powerful method of managing emotions and handling life's situations, from the most ordinary to the most demanding.