Epictetus quotes

Who Was Epictetus?

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived in ancient Rome until he was banished, alongside many other philosophers, around AD 93.

Born a slave, we know little about his early life. Even his name comes from the Greek word epíktētos meaning acquired or gained, so the name his parents gave him has been lost. Epictetus was also crippled, some accounts saying that his crippled leg was the work of one of his masters, another account suggested he was crippled from birth.

Born into slavery around AD 50 Epictetus quickly found an interest in philosophy and he was permitted by his master to study Stoicism under the Stoic Musonius Rufus.

After the death of Emperor Nero in AD 68 Epictetus earned his freedom and began to teach his Stoic philosophy in Rome.

Although, as far as we know, he wrote none of his teachings down, a student named Arrian wrote detailed notes during Epictetus’ lectures, many of which survive today.

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