Conversations

Epictetus, following the example of Socrates, only expressed his thoughts out loud, so the “Conversations” have come down to us in the recording of his student, the later famous historian Arrian. His philosophy preaches philanthropy and purity of soul, and defends the equality of all people. The main task of philosophy is to teach us to distinguish between what is humanly possible to do and what is not. The outside world and external circumstances are not subject to change. It is not things, but only ideas about them that make people happy or unhappy. We are subject to our thoughts, aspirations, and, consequently, our happiness.