Discourses

by Epictetus
Discourses cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Technical:
  • ID: 243
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-09-06
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
londonreviewbookshop.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-18
insightful 4.50

The reviewer appreciates Epictetus's blunt and direct approach to Stoicism, finding his teachings foundational and challenging. They believe Epictetus provides essential tools for living according to Stoic principles, emphasizing what is within our control and the importance of self-improvement.

The reviewer highlights Epictetus as a key figure in Stoicism, known for his direct and uncompromising style. Unlike Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Epictetus does not mince words and challenges readers to face the truth about themselves and the world. The reviewer finds his teachings foundational, emphasizing core Stoic principles such as the distinction between what is in our control and what is not, living in harmony with nature and reason, and the practice of self-examination. They believe that reading Epictetus is essential for anyone serious about Stoicism, as he provides a toolbox for applying Stoic principles to daily life. The reviewer also shares several favorite quotes from Epictetus that illustrate his direct and practical approach to philosophy.

Quick quotes

    Don't seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will — then your life will flow well.

    If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, 'He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.

    The true man is revealed in difficult times. So when trouble comes, think of yourself as a wrestled whom God, like a trainer, has paired with a tough buck. For what purpose? To turn you into Olympic-class material.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-01-01
approachable 4.50

Epictetus's Discourses are considered the most substantive introduction to Stoic philosophy, offering a practical approach to self-mastery by distinguishing between what we can and cannot control. The reviewer finds it approachable yet rigorous, recommending it as a must-read for those interested in Stoicism or an examined life.

The reviewer highlights that Epictetus's Discourses are more substantive than Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, providing a practical philosophy of self-mastery. The key lesson is learning to distinguish between what we can control (our own actions and impulses) and what we cannot (the actions of others), focusing on mastering the former and disregarding the latter. The reviewer finds the Discourses approachable and rigorous, suitable for repeated reading and memorization. They recommend it highly for anyone interested in Stoicism or living an examined life. The reviewer also notes the accessibility of ancient philosophy compared to modern works, questioning why ancient texts like Plato are often more approachable than contemporary philosophers like Quine.

Quick quotes

    The work of the philosophy, such as it is, is in distinguishing between that which we can control (ourselves, our impulses) and that which we cannot (other’s actions).

    Approachable, yet rigorous, the Discourses can be read over and over (and probably were intended to be memorized).

    If you’re interested in the Stoics or, frankly, in an examined life, this is a must read.

classicsforall.org.uk · Unknown · 2022-10-10
excellent 4.50

The reviewer praises Robin Waterfield's translation and commentary on Epictetus' works, highlighting its relevance to modern issues like Stoicism in the workplace. They appreciate the detailed introduction, extensive notes, and the translator's commitment to accuracy and moral clarity.

The reviewer finds Robin Waterfield's translation of Epictetus' works to be an excellent guide to Stoic thought, emphasizing its contemporary relevance. They particularly appreciate the detailed introduction, which provides a comprehensive overview of Stoicism, and the extensive notes that explain historical and literary allusions. The reviewer also commends Waterfield's stylistic choices, such as his decision to maintain gender-specific language to accurately represent Epictetus' context. Overall, they consider this book a valuable and stimulating work of scholarship, well-produced and exceptional value.

Quick quotes

    The study of Stoicism is not simply a matter of showing an interest in the history of ideas, but a live issue worthy of careful and serious thought.

    The fundamental stoic ethical tenet is that the only thing that is good and beneficial is moral virtue or human excellence.

    This is an excellent book, well-produced and presented and exceptional value.

miloandthecalf.com · Unknown · 2016-01-25
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer finds Epictetus' teachings in 'Discourses' to be profound and practical, emphasizing the importance of living according to reason and distinguishing between what we can and cannot control. They appreciate his clarity and wisdom, which they believe can guide readers towards happiness and serenity.

The reviewer highly values Epictetus' 'Discourses' for its practical and profound teachings on Stoicism. They highlight Epictetus' emphasis on living according to reason and nature, which involves recognizing the insignificance of material things and focusing on what we can control. The reviewer also notes that Epictetus' insights anticipate modern psychological concepts, such as the importance of living in the moment and controlling our reactions to external events. They find his teachings on kindness, generosity, and forgiveness particularly impactful and believe that applying Stoic principles has enriched their life. The reviewer recommends 'Discourses' as a valuable guide for anyone seeking happiness and serenity.

Quick quotes

    Stoicism offers a guide to happiness and serenity in life, and Epictetus was, perhaps, the greatest Stoic philosopher.

    But what does it mean to live 'according to nature' or reason? For Epictetus, as for other Stoics, one central part of that is recognizing how insignificant material things are.

    He also advised that we distinguish between the things that we can control and the things that we cannot.

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