Gary W Cross

The Way of the Stoic Epictetus Gary W Cross

Epictetus was an ancient Greek Stoic philosopher. Arrian (Epictetus's biographer) tells us that Epictetus 'had no other purpose than to move the minds of those listening to what is best', and that to achieve the best is to be calm, happy and free. This book offers a short introduction to Epictetus' way to achieving these - including the problems that Epictetus identifies as the reasons for us not achieving these; the directions that Epictetus offers to help us to achieve these; and finally, the strategies that Epictetus offers to help us to overcome the problems, to successfully follow his directions and ultimately to be calm, happy and free. This book is part of the series Ways of the World in which I explore the different ways of the world that have helped to shape my mind, and I suggest, the minds of many in the world today. The series already includes a book on Epictetus, namely, Exploring the Way of Epictetus, in which I allow Epictetus to explain in detail the way of the Stoic. Exploring the Way of Epictetus includes topics not included in this current book, more quotations and the basis for my translations. My aim in this current book is to present a short, easily assimilated overview of the way of Epictetus.