Discourses and Selected Writings

A new translation of the influential teachings of the great Stoic philosopher Despite being born into slavery, Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus became one of the most influential thinkers of his time.

About the author

Epictetus (c. 55–135 CE) was a teacher and Stoic philosopher. Originally a slave from Hierapolis in Anatolia (modern Turkey), he moved to Nicopolis on the Adriatic coast of Greece after gaining his freedom and opened a school of philosophy there. His informal lectures (the Discourses) were transcribed and published by his student Arrian, who also composed a digest of Epictetus’ teaching known as the Manual (or Enchiridion). Late in life Epictetus retired from teaching, adopted an orphan child and lived out his remaining years in domestic obscurity. His influence has been deep and enduring, from Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations to the contemporary psychologist Albert Ellis, who has acknowledged his debt to Epictetus in devising the school of Rational-Emotive Behavioural Therapy.

Product details

• Authors: Coralie Bickford-Smith, Robert Dobbin, Epictetus
• Assisted by: Robert Dobbin (Editor), Robert Dobbin (Translation)
• Publisher: Penguin Books Uk
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 04.09.2025
• EAN: 9780241764060
• ISBN: 978-0-241-76406-0
• No. of pages: 416
• Dimensions: 107 mm x 174 mm x 40 mm
• Series: Penguin Classics; A Penguin Classics Hardcover; Penguin Pocket Hardbacks
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: antiquity to present day; PHILOSOPHY / History & Surveys / Ancient & Classical, Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500