The Golden Sayings of Epictetus - Epictetus - A Short Summary and Review
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus - Epictetus - A Short Summary and Review
By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures
A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review
A short summary:
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus gathers the essential teachings of the Stoic philosopher, distilling Stoic philosophy into concise, practical reflections on freedom, responsibility, and the disciplined life.
Central to Epictetus’s thought is the distinction between what is within our control, our judgments, choices, and actions, and what is not. By focusing attention on inner freedom rather than external circumstance, he offers a philosophy of resilience rooted in clarity, self-mastery, and moral responsibility.
Brief but dense with meaning, the sayings encourage readers to live deliberately, accept hardship without bitterness, and cultivate peace through reasoned choice.
My favorite quote from the book:
Questions to ponder while reading:
My review:
This is Stoic wisdom at its finest.
Epictetus remains a favorite philosopher for good reason: his insights are bracing, humane, and relentlessly practical. There is no ornamentation here, only clarity. Each passage challenges readers to examine their own reactions, habits, and assumptions about control.
Because the book is composed of short aphorisms, it invites slow reading and frequent return. A single line can linger for days, reshaping how one approaches frustration, responsibility, or adversity.
This is not a book to read once and shelve. It’s a companion text, one to revisit during moments of uncertainty, when perspective is needed most.
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
Comments
Post a Comment