Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.
Sharon Lebell’s 144-page interpretation (not translation, she points it out) of Epictetus brings afresh perennial principles for finding meaning and living a virtuous life. This was not in my initial reading list, but I read it through in one sitting yesterday (and I am always finding out new and interesting material, so I may be throwing in some new titles).
Having been the philosophical instructor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus himself was born and lived for a long time as a slave, what shows the true democratic, or maybe non-political and non-historical nature of the basic principles to happiness: by the right interpretation of phenomena, non-attachment to results and correct use of the power of will, human soul has within itself enough elements to create serenity, peace and virtuous habits. The eternal Delphic “know thyself” rings forever true and surely it is good (and necessary) to be reminded continuously of that message.
Having been the philosophical instructor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus himself was born and lived for a long time as a slave, what shows the true democratic, or maybe non-political and non-historical nature of the basic principles to happiness: by the right interpretation of phenomena, non-attachment to results and correct use of the power of will, human soul has within itself enough elements to create serenity, peace and virtuous habits. The eternal Delphic “know thyself” rings forever true and surely it is good (and necessary) to be reminded continuously of that message.
This was my first contact with famous Phrygian-Roman author, but his simple, straightforward, unambiguous, positive and down-to-earth approach to psychological and existential subjects, conjugated with the smooth, contemporary style delivered by the author made me really feel like reading more.
