Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness

Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 ce in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Once freed, he established an influential school of Stoic philosophy, stressing that human beings cannot control life, only their responses to it.

By putting into practice the ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, students learn to meet the challenges of everyday life successfully and to face life’s inevitable losses and disappointments with grace:

“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can’t control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.

Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires, and the things that repel us. These areas are quite rightly our concern, because they are directly subject to our influence. We always have a choice about the contents and character of our inner lives.”

Critical Praise

“A treasury of eternally good advice, wise as a grandfather, earthy as the Tao.” — Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

“The message of Epictetus is as vital today as it ever was.” — Jacob Needleman, author of The Heart of Philosophy

“Epictetus sounds like the Buddha, and Sharon Lebell’s voice makes him sound like the delightful man next door.” — Sylvia Boorstein, author of It’s Easier Than You Think
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Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
Imprint: HarperOne
Publication date: 05/07/2007