{"id":88148,"date":"2022-12-28T23:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T03:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=88148"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:07:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T21:07:16","slug":"discourses-and-selected-writings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/discourses-and-selected-writings\/","title":{"rendered":"The Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus: Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>How can you achieve peace of mind? Is it reasonable to have pride? What are some strategies for dealing with hardships in life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stoicism teaches how to live a happy and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/living-a-fulfilled-life\/\">fulfilling life<\/a> through thoughtful, rational action. The key is accepting things as they are and doing the best you can with the life you\u2019re given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Discourses and Selected Writings<\/em> of Epictetus is one of the most prominent collections of Stoic teachings. Continue reading for an overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-discourses-and-selected-writings\"><em>The Discourses and Selected Writings<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus is considered one of history\u2019s most influential Stoic philosophers, alongside the likes of Marcus Aurelius (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/meditations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Meditations<\/em><\/a>) and Seneca (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.stoics.com\/seneca_essays_book_1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Essays<\/em><\/a>). <em>The Discourses <em>and Selected Writings<\/em><\/em> <em>of Epictetus <\/em>is the definitive collection of his teachings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes logic and quiet contemplation. It teaches that the best way to live well is to understand the laws of nature and how you, personally, fit into the universe. By accepting things as they are, recognizing your own relative unimportance and powerlessness in the grand scheme of things, and fulfilling your life\u2019s purpose to the best of your abilities, you can live a happy and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/virtuous-life\/\">virtuous life<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though credited to Epictetus himself, <em>Discourses <\/em>is actually a collection of Epictetus\u2019s teachings compiled by one of his students, Arrian of Nicomedia. Arrian explains in the book\u2019s preface that he recorded Epictetus\u2019s lectures word-for-word\u2014as much as possible\u2014to preserve both his lessons and the simple, direct way he spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve compiled the lessons within <em>Discourses <\/em>into three themes. First, we\u2019ll explain why Stoics believe that reason is the most important thing in the world. Next, we\u2019ll discuss how you can use your reasoning skills to overcome any challenge. Finally, we\u2019ll examine what Epictetus teaches about living a happy and virtuous life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of Reason and Choice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Stoic philosophy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/your-life-purpose\/\">your purpose<\/a> is to live a happy and virtuous life by acting in accordance with Nature\u2014which, in this context, means both your own human nature and the nature of the universe. You\u2019re expected to achieve this lifestyle through the constant and disciplined use of reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, Stoicism teaches that your reason is the <em>only <\/em>important thing in your life. This is because your reasoning interprets everything that you experience, and it also determines what you do in response to those experiences. <strong>In other words, <\/strong><strong>the quality of your reasoning determines the quality of your life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: One of Stoicism\u2019s central beliefs is that everything in the universe happens according to natural, rational laws. However, humans are something of an exception: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orionphilosophy.com\/stoic-blog\/what-do-stoics-mean-by-nature#:~:text=THE%20STOIC%20DEFINITION%20FOR%20NATURE%3A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Human nature is part of the greater, universal Nature<\/a>, but sometimes human nature <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orionphilosophy.com\/stoic-blog\/what-do-stoics-mean-by-nature#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20we%20might%20resent%20ageing%2C%20hate%20the%20winter%2C%20resist%20bad%20weather%2C%20or%20dislike%20the%20fact%20that%20delicious%20food%20is%20bad%20for%20our%20health.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leads us to go <em>against <\/em>Nature<\/a>. For example, human nature leads many people to fear death\u2014but death is part of Nature, and it\u2019ll happen no matter what we do. Resisting Nature by being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-conquer-the-fear-of-death\/\">afraid of death<\/a> just upsets us with no benefit. So, when a Stoic talks about understanding and following Nature, he means that we should use reason and rationality to understand the universe and then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-accept-things-as-they-are\/\">accept things as they are<\/a>, instead of indulging our human nature by fighting against reality. Learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/hub\/society-culture\/philosophy\/stoicism-and-death\/\">stoic approach to death<\/a>.)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Can Choose: Beliefs, Desires, and Actions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To live well, it\u2019s also important to understand what\u2019s in your control and what isn\u2019t; in other words, what you\u2019re able to make choices about. This will help you keep your peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus believes that the only thing you can fully control is your own reasoning: your beliefs, your interpretations of events, and your desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus says that, if you desire only things that are fully in your control\u2014such as a clear mind and strong reasoning skills\u2014then you will always be free; no one else can control those things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Are Always In Control<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with your thoughts and beliefs, you also control your own actions. Remembering this will help you to live a virtuous life because you won\u2019t be tempted to blame your bad choices on other people or on outside events\u2014the only one who\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/you-are-responsible-for-your-own-actions\/\">accountable for your actions<\/a> is yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Unimportance of External Things<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus claims that nothing outside of yourself can harm you or upset you\u2014rather, the way you interpret and respond to things is what harms you. Just as things outside of yourself can\u2019t harm you, they also shouldn\u2019t inspire pride. The only thing worth being proud of is your reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, always try to see things for what they are, and don\u2019t value them more than they\u2019re worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Face Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you face any kind of challenge, Epictetus says that you must start by bringing your reason to bear on it. Ask yourself what tools you have available to deal with the situation\u2014these \u201ctools\u201d include your thoughts, your skills and abilities, and any resources you could use to help solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also crucial to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/stoic-mindset\/\">Stoic mindset<\/a> that you endure challenges and hardships without complaining. Epictetus suggests meeting every unpleasant experience by asking, \u201cIs this related to something that\u2019s in my control or something that\u2019s not in my control?\u201d This question will help you keep your equanimity in any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategies for Facing Challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Stoicism strongly emphasizes calm dignity and inner strength\u2014in essence, you don\u2019t let anything upset or excite you so you can bring your reason to bear in every situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategy 1: See Every Challenge as an Opportunity<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>View hardships as chances to become stronger and to prove yourself, not as deliberate attacks or as harmful situations. Face challenges head-on, Epictetus recommends\u2014avoiding them is cheating yourself out of the chance to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategy 2: Don\u2019t Assign Blame<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>When you try to assign blame, you\u2019re really just looking for a target for your anger and frustration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/acceptance-of-reality\/\">Accepting reality<\/a> without assigning <em>any <\/em>blame shows true understanding. True acceptance means you recognize that everything, including your own decisions, is happening as it must happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategy 3: Think Before You Act<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to get carried away by your reactions to unpleasant events. So, before responding, take a moment to control yourself: Think rationally about what happened and what the appropriate response would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find it hard to think logically about an event, Epictetus suggests imagining that it happened to someone else instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The temptation to do something you know you shouldn\u2019t is a different kind of challenge, but you can respond to it in the same way\u2014by thinking carefully before you act. Take some time to consider what joy yielding to the temptation will bring you, versus how long you\u2019ll spend regretting it afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Live Well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, to maintain your peace of mind, simply take events as they happen. Don\u2019t upset yourself by wishing that something would happen sooner, or not happen at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, be good to other people, regardless of how those people behave. Remember that you can\u2019t control what other people do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, remember that you will die. Enjoy the good things in life, but bear in mind that sooner or later you\u2019ll have to leave them all behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose Your Relationships Carefully<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus warns that you\u2019ll probably become like the people you spend the most time with. Therefore, you\u2019ll find it easier to remain virtuous if you surround yourself with virtuous people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Epictetus\u2019s Code of Conduct: Quiet Dignity and Discipline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Epictetus provides some specific rules for living well to round out his more general guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rule 1: Speak Only When Needed, and Only as Much as Needed<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t indulge in small talk, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-talk-about-yourself\/\">talk about yourself<\/a> as little as possible. Most importantly, don\u2019t waste time talking about your principles and your virtues; act on them instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rule 2: Maintain Your Dignity and Seriousness in All Situations<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t allow yourself to become overly excited or overly impressed, Epictetus advises. When you find yourself bored, don\u2019t make a scene or bother the people around you. Don\u2019t try to make others laugh, for that makes it too easy to slip into vulgar behavior and it may lessen others\u2019 respect for you. Also, don\u2019t resort to foul language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rule 3: Give Your Body Only as Much Attention as It Needs to Stay Healthy<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending too much time eating, sleeping, exercising, or dealing with any other bodily concerns is a waste. Devote as much of your life as possible to developing your mind. Epictetus suggests that you begin by disciplining yourself in small things and move on to larger ones from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rule 4: Start Practicing Stoicism Immediately<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Epictetus suggests that you start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-stoicism\/\">practicing Stoicism<\/a> right now. Begin disciplining your mind and your reasoning <em>today<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can you achieve peace of mind? Is it reasonable to have pride? What are some strategies for dealing with hardships in life? Stoicism teaches how to live a happy and fulfilling life through thoughtful, rational action. The key is accepting things as they are and doing the best you can with the life you\u2019re given. The Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus is one of the most prominent collections of Stoic teachings. Continue reading for an overview.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":88153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,21],"tags":[847],"class_list":["post-88148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-books","category-philosophy","tag-the-discourses-of-epictetus","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus: Overview - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Epictetus is one of history\u2019s most influential Stoic philosophers. 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