By Arrian (Lucius Flavius Arrianus)
The Discourses of Epictetus as recorded by Arrian are the only texts, together with the Handbook and several fragments, of what we know of the teachings of Epictetus. He didn’t write anything himself, as far as we know, but his pupil, Arrian, took notes as that’s what we can read today. These discourses show us one part of how Epictetus would instruct his students. These are more informal gatherings where he would discuss specific topics and answer questions. Another part would have been more aimed at the three parts of, Ethics, Physics, and Logic.
“We might be fluent in the classroom but drag us out into practice and we’re miserably shipwrecked.”
Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 16.20 (Paraphrased)
This page lists my interpretation of the discourses one by one. The links to my articles can be found below. Going through them one by one has several benefits. First, I get to study these texts better and have some of my notes available online. Second, I get to share them with you and hopefully, they will be to your benefit as well. It is my goal to address them all and give a reflection on how these teachings can be applied to our present day. I would invite you to share your take in the comments. You can find a list of all the quotes of Epictetus used; here.
The translation I’m using is the Everyman edition, The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments. Edited by Christopher Gill, translation revised by Robin Hard, based on the translation of Elizabeth Carter.
The Discourses of Epictetus
Book 1
Chapter 1: On What Is In Our Power, And What Is Not
Post: What is Our Reasoning Faculty
Chapter 2: How Is One to Preserve One’s True Character in Everything?
Post: How to Respect Your Character
Chapter 3: What Should We Conclude From The Principle That God Is The Father of Mankind?
Post: What is the Stoic God
Chapter 4: On Progress
Post: How to Make Progress Like a Stoic
Chapter 5: Against the Academics
Post: How to Save the Soul
