EPICTETUS (Greek, c. 50-135 CE)
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus, though born into slavery (in present day Turkey), was given permission by his master to study philosophy, which elevated his social status. At some point he became disabled--perhaps, it is reported, because his leg was deliberately broken by his master, but other sources say it had been that way from childhood. He gained his freedom some time after 68 CE and began to teach in Rome. In 93, when Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from Rome, Epictetus moved to Greece and founded a school of philosophy.
- Though Epictetus left no known writings, his student Arrian wrote down his teachings and published them in his Discourses and Enchiridion.
- Like most Stoics, Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life, not simply a theoretical discipline. We cannot control events, but we can control how we react to them. We are, however, responsible for our own actions.
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