> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/philosophy/stoicism/epictetus.md).

# Epictetus

## Basic idea

Former Roman slave turned Stoic teacher (\~50-135 CE). Most famous for the dichotomy of control and for grounding Stoic ethics in everyday practice (recorded by his pupil Arrian in the *Discourses* and *Enchiridion*).

## Key tenets

* Dichotomy of control: some things are up to us (judgements, desires, aversions); others are not — distinguishing them is freedom.
* Suffering comes not from events but from our judgements about events.
* The will is sovereign and cannot be coerced from outside.
* Philosophy is training, not theory — practice daily.

> Of one thing beware, O Man; See what is the price at which you sell your will. If you do nothing else, do not sell your will cheap.