Discourses and Selected Writings (Penguin Classics)

A very worthwhile read. That frames and contextualise subject writings, into thought provoking statements of morality.

Noice

Writings from 2000 years ago that are still very much relevant today, indeed timeless. It can be heavy going in parts but stick with it as the are some real gems to be found. It’s a book you can refer back to and quote a few lines from to you friends as well as live by. I particularly like the reference to ‘externals’ for all those things that are outside our control. Nice way to sum it up. We are always in control of how we can respond that’s another message I took. All in all a great book.

Epictetus, a freed slave with a school of philosophy, flourished in the early 2nd century AD. He, as far as I am concerned, is an influential stoic. His discourses are recorded by Appian (He who wrote about Alexander the Great). The text reveals that Epictetus was heavily influenced by Plato/Socrates. The style is that of rhetorical exercise and asks you to question youe priorities in life, how to approach and deal with what is thrown at you. The translation of ancient hilosophical texts are notoriously difficult. The reason in part being the translation of different meanings of particular words used by those philosophers. Having said that Robert Dobbin has been able to produce a clear, lucid account for the general reader. It is easily digestible and will give hours of readable pleasure. The introduction and notes are sadly not as copious as one would want but that is no drawback and in no way detracts from its scholarly standing. The notes retain valuable and necessary clarity to enable you to read the text. Mr Dobbin's style is modern and highly readable. It was about time a new updated modern translation of Epictetus was available, and Penguin and Mr Dobbin have succeeded.

The morality of Greek philosophers was the antithesis of our modern one: they believed we should eschew all material desires, not because of some dictate of the heavens, but because they can never be satisfied and come to tyrannise us rather than make us happy. Like Epicurus, Epictetus believed that you had to implement your own philosophy so for his followers it became a quasi-religion. The quasi is justified by the fact that they never drifted away from rational thought. Read Epictetus on why we should not be angry when our neighbour steals from our house, and you will find his logic quite convincing. His thoughts survive (mainly in the form written down by one of his students) because the Church found this Theistic philosopher acceptable, but he is now somewhat ignored. This excellent new translation reads very well, and should encourage us to revisit this thinker.

Classic text Pages and their binding is good. Epictetus was Greek of Roman period, Hierapolis was ancient Greek city, and not “greek speaking”, or ”Greaco-Roman” or other. As Britannica and Stanford encyclopedias also include, there seems to be a new trend in general, in everything, of removing identities, but that identity existed in the ancient Greek world and was valid.

Ancient though it may be, there is much in these writings that pertain to modern life as much as they did when original laid down. I am not over selling this when I say that my discovery of Stoic philosophy has saved my sanity, if not my life. Accordingly, it has become as important to me as religion may be to others. This book numbers among several texts on this subject that have become my touchstone, my guide and to which I refer daily. Most highly recommended. BTG

Really great quality book, filled with lessons and teachings.

Just started reading the book and already I keep it with me and read it when I can. Keep in mind that Epictetus never wrote anything down - it was all jotted down by his pupil Arrian (I am still pondering on how he accomplished this). There is a lot of what is mentioned that is relevant today. Quite a few pieces are thought provoking and filled with such profound wisdom. Sometimes you need to set the book down and think about it for a moment. I write notes down and mark the reference page so that I can quickly refer to it later to think and contemplate on it. Definitely a great find. And best of all very comprehensive & easy to read (kudos to the translator)

You should definitely read this book .

Verkoper verkoopt schaamteloos tweedehands boeken als nieuw

Hay muchos libros de Epicteto en el mercado, pero este incluye los discursos y por lo tanto vale mucho más la pena, hay más contexto, se entiende mejor, amplia información.

goed boek slecht kwaliteit papier scheurt makkelijk en de onderkant van sommige bladzijden zitten nog aan elkaar