Encheiridion

"How do I live a happy, meaningful, and flourishing life?How can I be both a noble and effective person?" Answering these bedrock questions was the single-minded passion of Epictetus, the venerable philosopher who was born a slave about A.D. 55 in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. One of the wittiest and wisest teachers who ever lived, Epictetus observed that everyday life, no matter what out personal circumstances are, is fraught with difficulty. Sill, the life of virtue is within the reach of everyone. Epictetus dedicated his life to outlining the simple way to happiness, fulfillment and tranquility, no matter what one's circumstances happen to be.the ninety-three razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living encapsulate the essence of time-tested philosophy whose reward is unwavering, clear-sighted contentment. By putting into practice Epictetus's practical guidance, readers will immediately feel a lighter heart and the dawning of incredible inner strength.Epictetus's teachings rank with those contained in the greatest wisdom texts of human civilization. The Art of Living is the Western answer to Buddhism's Dhammapada or Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching. This esteemed philosopher's invaluable insights are here presented by Sharon Lebell for the first time in a splendidly down-to-earth and lively rendition.The Art of Living is a fount of action-wisdom for gracefully meeting the challenges of daily life, as well as life's inevitable major losses, disappointments, and griefs. This is incisive moral teachings stripped of piousness and metaphysical mumbo jumbo. What remains is the West's first and best primer for living the best possible life. Across centuries and cultures, world leaders and ordinary folk alive have relied of Epictetus's teachings as their guide to personal peace and more direction amid life's supreme trials. The Art of Living is more than mere lessons in coping with the ups and downs of life, but a coherent, elegant system that, if sincerely practiced, instills enduring serenity and moves us gently but steadily toward our highest selves. As both touchstone and guide, The Art of Living is as helpful on the eve of the twenty-first century as it was in the first. Epictetus (A.D. 55-A.D. 135) taught in Rome until the year 94, when Emperor Domitian banished philosophers from the city. In exile he established his school of philosophy where his distinguished students included Marcus Aurelius, author of the Meditations.