The Life of Epictetus: From Slave to Stoic Philosopher Who Inspired the World | Gita Blog Sport
Gitablogsport.com - Epictetus was a renowned Stoic philosopher from ancient Greece whose life story continues to inspire people across generations. Born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia, now known as Pamukkale in western Turkey, he spent much of his early life in Rome before being exiled and settling in Nicopolis, Greece, where he lived out the rest of his days.
His teachings were recorded and preserved by his devoted student, Arrian, in the works Discourses and Enchiridion. Epictetus emphasized that philosophy is not merely theoretical knowledge, but a practical guide for life.
He taught that external events are beyond human control, and should therefore be accepted calmly and without emotional disturbance.
However, individuals are fully responsible for their own actions, which can be governed through rigorous self-discipline.
Early Life and Background
Epictetus was born around 50 AD, likely in Hierapolis. His name derives from the Greek word epíktētos, meaning “acquired” or “owned,” reflecting his status as a slave. He served under Epaphroditus, a wealthy freedman who had become a secretary to Roman Emperor Nero.
Thanks to his master’s permission, Epictetus was able to study Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus, one of the leading philosophers of that era. This education helped elevate his social standing and intellectual influence. At some point, Epictetus became physically disabled. Some sources, like Celsus as quoted by Origen, claim his master deliberately broke his leg, while others, like Simplicius, say he was born with a disability.
Gaining Freedom and Founding a School
After Nero’s death in 68 AD, Epictetus was granted his freedom and began teaching philosophy in Rome. Around 93 AD, Emperor Domitian banished all philosophers from the city. As a result, Epictetus relocated to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he established his own school of philosophy.
His most notable student, Arrian, studied under him around 108 AD. Arrian later compiled and published Epictetus’s teachings in the Discourses, claiming that the work was on par with the dialogues of Socrates. He described Epictetus as a powerful speaker capable of stirring his audience’s deepest emotions. Many influential figures sought his counsel, including Emperor Hadrian, who is believed to have attended his lectures in Nicopolis.
Major Works
Epictetus’s most famous works are Discourses and Enchiridion (The Handbook). Enchiridion serves as a concise guide to Stoic ethics, filled with practical advice and philosophical maxims. It is widely regarded as an ideal introduction to Epictetus’s worldview.
Enduring Influence
Interestingly, Epictetus never wrote anything himself. His entire body of work is known thanks to Arrian’s detailed notes and publications. Despite this, his influence was vast and lasting, impacting thinkers from ancient Rome to Enlightenment-era Europe.
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, credited his teacher Junius Rusticus with introducing him to Epictetus’s teachings. While it’s unlikely that Rusticus attended Epictetus’s lectures personally, he may have passed down Arrian’s widely circulated notes to Marcus.
French Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, and Baron d’Holbach also studied the Enchiridion during their formative years, finding in it a framework for ethical living.
One of the most profound examples of Epictetus’s teachings in action is seen in the life of James Stockdale, a U.S. Navy officer who was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over seven years. Stockdale credited Epictetus with giving him the mental tools to endure extreme hardship. With shackles on his legs, he found solace in the story of Epictetus’s own physical disability, possibly caused by his master.
Later Years and Legacy
Epictetus led a simple life, owning very little. For many years, he lived alone, but in his later years, he adopted a friend’s child who would have otherwise been abandoned. He raised the child with the help of a woman, though it remains unclear whether they were married.
He passed away around 135 AD. According to Lucian, after his death, a fan purchased his oil lamp for 3,000 drachmas. The lamp held special meaning, as Epictetus had once used it in a Stoic lesson:
"I used to keep an iron lamp by the household gods. One night I heard a noise at the window. I ran down and found the lamp had been stolen. I reasoned that the thief was driven by irrational motives. So what did I do? I said, ‘Tomorrow you will find a cheaper, clay lamp.’ Indeed, a person only loses what they truly possess."