The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus.
Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a Stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
Epictetus didn't leave a formal written legacy, but his pupil, Arrian, collected his teachings, and posterity now has The Enchiridion and The Discourses. The first is a short compilation of Stoical precepts - how to live an ethical life. It is essentially about everyday life, and it maintained its popularity throughout the succeeding centuries, on par with the other principal concise Stoic document from the Roman period, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - who had clearly read it.
The Enchiridion is presented here as the translation by Thomas W. Higginson. The Discourses, a much longer text again compiled by Arrian, contains a more comprehensive view of the teachings of Epictetus. The Discourses is translated by George Long.
This is a truly amazing and inspiring book. There is a lesson for all of life hardships and how the stoic can handle it. It also contains an amazing guide to liberty.
I will buy a physical copy and have my children read it. This is true education.
I like Long's translation of the Discourses. In hard copy I read the Robin Hard version, but half the time I prefer the literary quality and pithy 'zing' of Long's text. So far my favourite reader of Stoic works is James Cameron Stewart, but Howard B. Morse does a creditable job. This is, in any case, the only Audible product that includes both the the Discourses and the Handbook (plus it is unabridged), which makes it desirable.
If you could give The Enchiridion & Discourses a new subtitle, what would it be?
It isn't things themselves that disturb people, but the judgments they form about them.
The speaker did a great job. This is a perfect rendering of the Discourses of Epictetus.
Very modern and elegant reading of the eternal classic Stoic Manual on living. There is no equal. English accent is very pleasing and not gratingg at all, as one might expect.
I truly enjoyed listening to this book in sections. The narrator was excellent. For me, this book was a meditative experience. Although I believe science has advanced, specific to some stoic perspectives, the dialogues transformed how I look at challenges in my past. This book would be great for someone interested in deep self reflection. I plan to relisten to sections—if not the whole book.
Is an amazing book. Truly remarkeable objective observation of life. Very Spiritual and yet terrestrial. This Philosophy of life applies completely in todays society. I strongly recommend it be taught in schools.
If this book costed a million dollars, I would still consider it a bargain! Life changing.
If you desire to be a free man, and one devout towards service of other without any perturbution, young child choose this piece of work. For it shall set you free, literally.
Interesting material that seems to anticipate cognitive behavioral therapy by a couple thousand years. But I wish that I had read a printed copy instead so that I could have more easily skipped the repeated points.
This is not a good version. The narrator has a thick British accent which I usually like, but his weird mis-pronunciations make this painful to listen to.
Engaging, inspiring, earthly, funny... Epictetus can give you great insights, skills and determination to change your life for the better, even if you don't agree with everything he says.
The text might be old, but our life problems are pretty much the same, so the lessons feel as contemporary and relevant as ever!
The audiobook performance is just stunning!
Great audiobook chock-full of Stoic wisdom. Very well narrated. Stoic philosophy (unlike much of philosophy) is practical philosophy of life; as useful today as it was when it was first written.