Epiktétos Libri

Quando Leopardi annunciò all’editore Stella di Milano in una lettere del 9 dicembre 1825, di aver terminato di volgere in volgare il Manuale di Epitteto – il liberto greco fondatore a Roma, durante l’età imperiale, di una scuola di filosofia stoica –, l’opera godeva già di una fama notevole ed era ben nota ai dotti e alle persone di cultura. Ad essa infatti erano stati dedicati contributi filologici di notevole rilievo, specialmente in Inghilterra e in Germania, tra Sei e Settecento, mentre in Italia era stata tradotta più volte: dal Salvini (1733), dal Pagnini (1795), dal Giovio (1804), dal Lapi (1812). Leopardi dunque non “scoprì” né “rivalutò” il Manuale; piuttosto, meglio dei suoi predecessori, riuscì a rendere l’arduo greco dell’originale in una forma sciolta, piana, finemente modellata, che ancor oggi si presta a una lettura per nulla faticosa o impacciata. Mentre al contempo conferì all’opera – funzionale ad un progetto filosofico che appare splendidamente attuato nelle contemporanee Operette morali – rilievo e attualità del tutto nuove, senza per questo esercitare violenza alcuna al significato del Manuale, pienamente congeniale, anzi, in questo periodo, alla riflessione teorica del poeta. Redatto «in un mezzo mese (…) con tutto l’amore e lo studio possibile», questo «lavoruccio» risultò assai caro al Leopardi, sia per il contenuto morale e filosofico, sia per la riuscita stilistica, particolarmente felice. Ma il poeta non ebbe mai la soddisfazione di vederlo pubblicato: la prima edizione infatti, curata da Antonio Ranieri, risale solo al 1854, otto anni dopo la sua morte.

The complete surviving works of Epictetus, a pivotal Stoic philosopher from antiquity, present profound insights on personal agency and moral self-improvement. Born into slavery around 50 CE, Epictetus became a philosophy teacher after gaining his freedom. Following his expulsion from Rome, he dedicated his life to teaching in Greece. His influential works include a series of discourses, recorded by his student Arrian, and the Handbook, which encapsulates the essence of Epictetus's teachings. Central to his philosophy is the idea that happiness hinges on understanding what is within our control and what is not. While our internal states and reactions are ours to manage, external events are determined by a benevolent deity, and we should regard them, along with our bodies, possessions, and relationships, as indifferent—striving to make the best use of them. The Discourses and Handbook serve as practical guides for self-improvement, detailing the necessary work and exercises for enriching one’s life. Edited and translated by esteemed scholar Robin Waterfield, this collection offers modern readers valuable perspectives on coping with challenges such as death, exile, interpersonal relationships, and the unpredictability of life.

Robert Dobbin presents a new translation into clear modern English of the first book of Epictetus' Discourses, accompanied by the first ever commentary on the work in English. The Discourses, composed around AD 100, are a key source for ancient Stoicism, one of the most influential schools of thought in Western philosophy.

This is the only complete modern translation of Epictetus' Discourses, together with the Handbook and fragments. A major work of Stoic practical ethics, the Discourses teach that the basis of happiness is up to us. This accessible new translation is accompanied by a full introduction and thorough notes.

Epictetus observed that although everyday life is fraught with difficulty, a life of virtue is within reach. By putting into practice the 93 witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions, this work helps readers learn to gracefully meet the challenges of everyday life as well as life's inevitable major losses and disappointments.

The book delves into the life and philosophy of Epictetus, a prominent Greek Stoic who overcame his status as a slave to become a significant thinker in ancient Rome. After his banishment, he settled in Nicopolis, where he continued to teach. His profound insights on Stoicism were meticulously recorded by his student Arrian in works like the Discourses and Enchiridion, which explore themes of resilience, personal freedom, and the nature of happiness.

The book emphasizes the importance of living one's philosophy rather than merely discussing it. It draws on the teachings of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, advocating for practical application of philosophical principles in daily life. Through various insights and examples, it encourages readers to integrate Stoic values into their actions and decisions, fostering resilience and personal growth. The focus is on authenticity and the transformative power of embodying one's beliefs.

The teachings of Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher from the first century, are encapsulated in The Enchiridion, a practical guide to Stoic philosophy. This handbook emphasizes personal ethics, resilience, and the importance of focusing on what is within one's control. It serves as a timeless resource for those seeking guidance on how to navigate life's challenges through a Stoic lens, highlighting the pursuit of virtue and inner peace.

Unlike the vast majority of The Golden Sayings editions, which are public domain reprints from more than a century ago, Stanhope's version updates this 2,000 year old collection of aphorisms in straightforward, modern English. It is by far the greatest and most useful edition of The Golden Sayings to date with its lively translation, explanatory notes drawn from top Epictetus scholars, enigmatic pictures, and introductory material. One of the three great Roman Stoics and a representative of the ethical and philosophical pinnacle of classical Roman civilisation, Epictetus was born in the first century and influenced philosophy during the time of the New Testament.