The Art of Living, by Sharon Lebell, is an excellent starting point into the teachings and philosophy of Epictetus. Ms. Lebell paraphrases and organizes some of the discourses and Enchiridion that Arrian wrote of Epictetus, using everyday, modern language. You can breeze through it and use it as a focal point for contemplation and meditation. Young people especially are attracted to it's clean, simple presentation.

There is one thought per page. The hardcover version is definitely essential because you'll find yourself referring back to your favorite sections time and time again. What many people will end up doing is developing an interest into discovering more about Epictetus' actual thoughts and words. That interest can be sated by obtaining the discourses and Enchiridion taken down almost 2000 years ago by Arrian.