The Manual by Epictetus — A Short Summary and Review of Stoic Wisdom

The Manual by Epictetus — A Short Summary and Review of Stoic Wisdom

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

The essential teachings of Epictetus.

A short summary:

The Manual by Epictetus is a concise collection of teachings distilled from his lectures, offering practical guidance on how to live well in an unpredictable world. Rather than abstract philosophy, Epictetus focuses on the fundamental distinction between what is within our control, our thoughts, judgments, and actions, and what is not. Through short, direct passages, he emphasizes discipline, personal responsibility, and inner freedom, encouraging readers to cultivate virtue and resilience regardless of external circumstances. Though written nearly two thousand years ago, its lessons feel strikingly modern in their clarity and relevance.

My favorite quote:

"What, then, is your own? The way you live your life."

Epictetus, The Manual

Questions to ponder while reading:

Do you depend on others?

Can you mind your own business?

My review:

This book is foundational Stoicism at its most accessible. The Manual doesn’t ask you to admire wisdom from afar; it asks you to practice it. Its guidance is practical, sometimes bracing, and consistently grounding, making it a book you return to rather than simply finish. I find it especially valuable as a place to reset perspective when life feels noisy or overwhelming. Epictetus offers no shortcuts, only clarity, and that honesty is precisely what makes this work a lasting source of insight and calm.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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