Lombardi Christian
Professor Edgar Foster
PHI 102 01
20 October 2014
Epictetus: A Man of Stoicism
During the Hellenistic Period Stoicism was introduced (Graver). Today Stoicism is defined as disregard to certain emotions (Graver). Yet the definition that we are given does not completely define the Stoic beliefs as practiced by the Stoics. Instead we are given a muddy summary of their theories because scholars do not have any complete doctrines written by the founders of this certain philosophy. Yet from what they have gained Epictetus stands out in the stoic community. Epictetus’s work is comprised into two main doctrines. One being the Handbook (Enchiridion) and the other being The Discourses. Each give a detailed account and guide to living through Stoicism. Throughout this paper I will be providing analysis on Epictetus’s account of a guide to the “good” life through Stoicism.
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Throughout this doctrine Epictetus describes how to basically rationalize emotions or thoughts which have negative connotations towards your mental well-being. This work seemed to be greatly influenced by Socrates such as how in chapter fifty one Epictetus writes, “ This is how Socrates attained perfection, by paying attention to nothing but reason in everything he encountered.” (Epictetus 251) This quote is important because of how it pertains to Epictetus’s work. Throughout he continually mentions how somethings are in our power and others are not. That the things in our power are free and the things that are not belong to others. Yet if we rationalize that theory and pursue the things that are in our power and ignore the things that are not in our power than we shall not be hindered by illogical
Elise Beauchemin Mr. Mosher English 2 2/23/18 Aeneas and the Quintessence of Stoicism The Aeneid, an epic written by Virgil, thousands of years old and yet still read today by many. It tells the story of the Trojan hero, Aeneas, and his efforts to establish order and defend his homeland. Throughout the 9,896 lines of the poem, he lives according to the Ancient Roman ideals of the Stoic. He is the paragon of a Trojan hero who places duty above pleasure, controls his passions and appetites through the power of reason, does not let the storms and stress of life disturb his self-possession and composure, and practices the virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
If a horse should be prideful and say, "I am handsome," it would be supportable. But when [he is] prideful, and say, "I have a handsome horse," know that [he is] proud of what is, in fact, only the good of the horse.” (#6). The Stoic knows that being humble is an important part of being a good member of society. It is a blend of these two aspects of being a Stoic, being humble in decision making and keeping peace, this is what makes the Stoics who follow “Then Handbook”, by Epictetus, truly good members of a
True Stoics do not need external goods to be
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Epictetus states that one must concern himself only with his own affairs in order to prevent harm from others, which
He also mentions how we attempt to numb sensation, and ignore our problems, when it's in sober reasoning where we find the answers we're in search of. It was rather difficult for me to determine Epicurus's contributions to Western Civilization besides his Principle Doctrines. Epicurus's ideas were all significant, but his perspectives of government were
Which is live your life and accept, now I may not agree with what’s happening like if I break my leg its broke already how did that even it happen Epictetus mind I would have to accept it and move on. How it happens and why it happens it’s out of my control I accept it calmly and dispassionately. Even a Great man that was influence by his studies served in the same branch as me(Admiral James Bond Stockdale). Epictetus save his life in a way the Stoic philosopher save his life when he was shot down in Vietnam war and became a prisoner of war.
What he is saying is that it is a waste of time to value capitalistic ideologies, for example, wealth and fame. He implies that we are so wrapped up in our unnecessary desires that it just clouds our minds with things that really aren't important. By giving into temptations one has lost the ability to have self control. Epicurus tells us that when it comes down to it we will always pick things that bring us pleasure. He says what we don't think about is that a lot of our decisions we have made in hopes of the pleasure we were looking for only caused us pain in the end.
Lucretius was a Roman poet, famous for Epicurean philosophy. He focused on themes that involved the way in which humans exist in the natural world. Through his ideas of superstition, atoms and mortality, Lucretius’ philosophy introduced a controversial yet systematic natural perspective into a society that was predominantly still reliant on mythical explanations. By emphasizing the importance of personal reasoning, Lucretius influenced many of his successors. At the time of publication, Roman society relied heavily on the idea of various Gods and Goddesses in order to compensate for their lack of understanding of the physical world.
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Apart from Marcus Aurelius's prestigious political position, he was a well-known practitioner of stoicism. In fact his writing commonly old as "Meditations" is considered by many to be one of the greatest works of all of philosophy. The overarching theme that Marcus Aurelius attempts to convey, insta deal with your problems in an ideal and effective manner. He felt if you just miserably observe your problem, you wouldn't solve it as well as if you had just gotten it done
In the Story of the great Julius Caesar by Shakespeare there are two philosophies which include Stoicism and Epicureanism. Two characters that clearly stand by their beliefs are Brutus and Cassius. However before being explained, what is Stoicism and Epicureanism anyways? First off, what is Stoicism? Stoicism is a school that was founded in medieval times, it is a way of life for Brutus.
Seneca was an adherent of stoicism and argued that reason was the greatest of human virtues and that passions must be subdued. If passion were to overpower reason, then chaos would follow, which is
Michael Abou Chedid Personal Reflection Essay STOIC QUOTES Stoicism is an ancient philosophy founded in Athens, by Zeno of Citium, in the early 3rd century B.C. Although Stoic philosophers considered various subjects, principal teachings included how to lead a fulfilling and happy life and how to become better human beings. Up until today, the principles of Stoicism can be considered amongst the most applicable and realistic way of life for entrepreneurs, writers, and artists alike, to help them withstand tough times, and actually benefit from them. The Stoic philosophers have left behind an abundance of quotes that provide readers with a shift in perspective, and help individuals reflect on their own joy and serenity.