The Teaching of Epictetus

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher whose teachings were noted down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses. He taught a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline and believed that all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. Human beings have a duty of care to all fellow humans.