If you ever feel lost, dissatisfied with life, have difficulty coping with sickness or the death of a loved one, if you find yourself thinking, 'why me?', then Epictetus' teachings along with those of the other Ancient Greek Philosophers will help you.

What is very unique about Epictetus is that we have many original conversations and lessons he gave saved in their entirety. A pupil named Flavius Arrian, a successful historian and administrator, took down word-for-word Epictetus' conversations with his students and with others when he was on the streets and in public places of Nicopolis. Because of this, you get to know the man and the way he thought through his actual words.

Epictetus lived by the principles which he taught. He was a virtuous man. He believed that every person is responsible for what good or evil happens to them. Only what a person controls through their own free will (moral purpose) can be a good or evil. What distinguishes man from animals is reason. With it we can assent or dissent, in desire or aversion, and in choice or refusal. These are based upon our external impressions. We must decide if the external impressions are true or false. We should agree (assent) with true impressions, reject (dissent) false ones and hold off judgement of any uncertain impressions. The entire foundation of Epictetus' teachings is in the continual practice of the applications of these principles. The surprising joy is discovering how his examples about living made 2000 years ago are still appropriate now. It really puts many things in perspective.