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

By Epictetus

Book Overview

A modern translation of the stoicism classic--a beginner-friendly companion for a living a more present, intentional, and virtuous life--one full of gratitude for who we are and who we have yet to become

"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

Celebrating 30 years of timeless wisdom, this modern translation of the beloved philosophical text is now in its special anniversary edition. A beloved teacher of Stoic Philosophy, Epictetus dedicated his life to outlining the simple paths to happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility, and his profound advice comes to life in this brief, yet deeply impactful, book.

For three decades, Sharon Lebell's remarkable translation of Epictetus has brought enduring Stoic wisdom to modern readers. See anew how Epictetus described that though everyday life is fraught with difficulty, a life of virtue is within reach. By following ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions, generations have learned to tackle life's inevitable loss with grace and morality. This enduring guide provides practical wisdom on how:

The root of suffering is not life's challenges, but our reaction to themVirtue ethics definition and examples--how to view others with grace, empathy, and understanding like we do ourselvesThe ways selfishness impairs connectivityInner peace meditation techniques to free ourselves from anxiety and stressLeading with kindness and forgiving ourselves and others to emerge stronger

Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 CE in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire, and despite all he endured, has become one of the most influential writers on attaining inner peace and joy. He brilliantly shows us the possibility of leading with both logic and emotion to emerge stronger and more self-aware though all of the waves life crashes on us.

Timeless, practical, and entirely unforgettable, this is a book you will reach for, and recommend, again and again. The perfect gift for anyone seeking a different path forward--one sure to be filled with more compassion, self-love, and appreciation for all the things that make us human.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061286052
• ISBN13: 9780061286056
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.9" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Relevant wisdom for the 21st Century

Sharon Lebell's paraphrases of the Roman Stoic Epictetus are convincingly presented in this little guidebook. Much of the core Stoic philosophy is translated for us in this brief but philosophically weighty interpretation: See things for what they are; guard against a false sense of self-importance; practice indifference to external conditions; the life of wisdom demands its price; speak impeccably; you become what you give your attentions to; action is what counts, not talk; practice tact and tolerance; wisdom depends upon vigilance. Highly recommended. And a very quick read. Epictetus also recommends the study of Heraclitus and Diogenes, his philosophical ancestors. Parataxis Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts The Cloud Reckoner

Pure jewel on the path of the heart

This small book contains concise and easy to verify life's truths which enhance our joy of life.It allows to readers and practitioners to choose consciously between boring, bitter, sour and sterile or sweet and fulfilling life under any circumstances.It can be used from time to time or daily as handy helper and worthy reminder on the paths of everyday life. This jewel of wisdom gives a powerful thrust adequate for both; young ones and adults,giving them immense support and leaving them absolute freedom traveling the path of the heart.

Clear, brief introduction

Epictetus concerned himself with finding the satisfying life - not the happiest or richest, but the life filled with treasures that can never be taken away. His disciple, Arrian, collected his wisdom, and distilled it down into this booklet of aphorisms. The essence is simple: "No man is free who is not master of himself." In part, that is because the self is all anyone can truly own. Everything else is under the control of others, of the state, or finally of the gods. Happiness based on what can be taken away is a flimsy sort of thing, and fighting the will of the gods is futile. Still, this isn't about ascetic self-denial. There are pleasures to be had in the world. If there is wine, enjoy it, remembering that excess is hardly enjoyable. Enjoy the loves in your life, without becoming slave to them. He also recommends reticence in most matters, since so few are under one's control, and since foolishness is easier to speak than wisdom. These thoughts are as effective in today's life as they were two thousand years ago. //wiredweird

Epictetus: The first cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist

The first cognitive-behavioral therapist, so to speak, was the philosopher Epictetus (50-120 AD). His most important ideas have stood the test of 1,900 years astonishingly well. To paraphrase some excerpts from his Handbook, especially Sharon Lobell's new edition ....Control:He said that happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of this principle: some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after we have accepted this fundamental rule, and learned to distinguish between what we can and cannot control, that inner tranquillity and outer effectiveness become possible.This is a cardinal principle of today's cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as the basis of AA's famous "Serenity Prayer." Further CBT principles foreshadowed by Epictetus....Where trouble comes from:Things themselves don't hurt or hinder us. Neither do other people. How we view things and people is a different matter. Strange as it may seem at first, it is our own attitudes and reactions that give us the most trouble. We cannot always choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.Legislating for the world:Circumstances do not arise to meet our desires or expectations. Events happen as they do. People behave according to their own inclinations and what they are faced with - which we may not even be aware of. Don't try to make your own rules that the world is supposed to follow. That is a recipe for frustration. Exercise what influence you can, then accept what you actually get and make the most of it.Habits:We are creatures of habit, reacting automatically to events as they happen. It thus matters greatly what our habits are. They are mostly a matter of practice. The oftener we do something, and the more circumstances in which we do it, the more it becomes a habit. Therefore, to make something a habit, do it. To make something not a habit, don't do it. To change a habit, do something else instead.Good work, Eppy! You were WAY ahead of your time.