The Enchiridion of Epictetus

The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Although the content is mostly derived from the Discourses of Epictetus, it is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts. Eschewing metaphysics, Arrian focuses his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy to daily life. The book is thus a manual to show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances. The Enchiridion appears to be a loosely-structured selection of maxims. In his 6th-century Commentary, Simplicius divided the text into four distinct sections suggesting a graded approach to philosophy: Chapters 1-21. What is up to us and not, and how to deal with external things: 1-2. What is up to us and not, and the consequences of choosing either. 3-14. How to deal with external things (reining the audience in from them). 15-21. How to use external things corr