How To Read Epictetus (Enchiridion, Discourses)

[@DailyStoic]

📚 The books Ryan recommends in this video: Discourses and Selected Writings - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/philosophy4?_pos=5&_sid=ffee1c6f7&_ss=r Art of Living - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/artofliving?_pos=3&_sid=ffee1c6f7&_ss=r How to Be Free - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/philosophy9?_pos=4&_sid=ffee1c6f7&_ss=r The Daily Stoic Journal - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/ryan5?_pos=3&_sid=3d48ad53e&_ss=r Man in Full - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/man-in-full?_pos=1&_sid=aa5f70228&_ss=r Lives of the Stoics - www.thepaintedporch.com/products/ryan9?_pos=1&_sid=5f5df2c73&_ss=r

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

I completely agree with you about Epictetus' teachings. His ability to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth is something that has resonated with me deeply. I’ve been working on internalizing his principles too, and it’s been a game-changer. Have you found any particular passage from the Discourses or the Enchiridion that really stood out to you in terms of how you approach life’s difficulties?

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

I totally agree with you on the power of Epictetus' teachings! The way he emphasizes focusing on what we can control is something that resonates deeply with me. It’s a reminder that we often waste energy on things outside of our control. I’ve found that reading *Discourses* really deepens that perspective, especially when I try to apply his advice to daily challenges. Do you have a particular passage from *Discourses* that you find especially impactful or difficult to put into practice? I’d love to hear how others interpret his ideas!

[@bcfortenberry]

Thank you for your work. In the months since I’ve began stoic reading and practice, my life has stabilized and I’ve found great peace of mind by simply discerning what is under my control and what isn’t. A true gift.

[@alexispantoja1667]

The ideas Ryan teaches are great, I’ve found great help from Tony Robbins idea of living in a beautiful state. Regardless of what happens you can always look for the good in it. You can have feelings like sadness or anger but you don’t have to live there. Couple Tony Robbins and Stoicism and you’ll get ahead of most people in the world.

[@richardtaylor6341]

Umm...so the dichotomy of control is important. Don't listen to Tony Robbins or anyone who tells you to...Robbins says nothing of substance. Like Grant Cardone he is a confidence man.....

[@pugginspice]

Wow, this is fascinating. My Dad, a retired professor of philosophy, has always seemed to live his life in a stoic way… at 92 he continues to live life well and fully. He is my hero. ❤️

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

That's inspiring to hear. It’s amazing how Stoicism seems to shape a life that stands the test of time. Do you think his philosophical mindset has influenced how you approach challenges in your own life?

[@brianbierig2919]

"I make myself rich by making my wants few." - Henry David Thoreau

[@ignassablinskas9175]

- Lao Tzu (in Tao Te Ching)

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Big Deal!!! Pfffft 🤡

[@Switching_000]

As a person who lives in a 3rd world country this video is like a sip of wine after a long walk in a desert Thank you love from Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Epictetus changed my life

[@DantesInferno61]

Now I know I have nothing to complain about.

[@bini3003]

Ethiopian here

[@韭菜很忙]

Same from China

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

That must have been such a transformative journey for you. What do you think made that particular lesson the hardest to grasp, and do you feel it changed the way you approach conflict in relationships now?

[@WWS322]

i read the first two books of Epictetus but was never able to become a stoic. i still felt the need to control and got pissed when i couldn't. one night though i had a great fear of becoming homeless and i read a chapter about courage. i felt him giving me a pep talk. it really really helped!

[@daniellewest265]

Homeless? Do you have a home you carry around on your back and rebuild each night?

[@jtgd]

@@daniellewest265 you have one in your head…

[@seanreams2697]

Thank you for introducing me to Epicitus, I have been stoic for years but never practiced stoicism until I found your videos. I was doing half of it without knowing why and now I do and I'm stronger for it

[@linux1800]

Epictetus 101 needs to be a subject in every school! It teaches one how to thrive and co-exist!

[@abstraction6212]

Well with kids comming to school and only having intrest in elsagate and fooling around it should be better off a homeschool thing that fathers should teach thier kids.

[@iggmeister4137]

They are the ones who need it​@@abstraction6212

[@evmarekaj]

​@@abstraction6212faulting the children for the schools lack of ability to engage them in meaningful studies is certainly a take one can make I guess.

[@davidtrevino5211]

You are assuming that the schools nowadays actually want the students to thrive in life....

[@rm94395]

The art of living is an amazing short book on Epictetus' lessons

[@thechadillac1211]

I’m an Epictetus guy. I read Courage under fire over and over. I really enjoy your book. Daily Stoic,

[@jtgd]

Epictetus is like an old wise friend you grow up with. Past his prime and spends his retirement trying to help you become a better parson through discipline

[@eduardovaldez-modonese5517]

Just finished Lives of the Stoics. As many, I suppose, Cicero, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius where my most clear references regarding thinking/acting as a stoic in order to live the best life I can. But Musonius Rufus and especially Epictetus have struck a chord with me in a way that's hard to put into words. Being a minimalist furniture designer and an ascetic (posessionwise), Epictetus is taking the form of something comparable to a superhero for a kid. Everything is connected and this is a beautiful journey. Thanks a lot Ryan!!

[@bradhouse4754]

I have recently begun working toward a masters degree in psychology and have adding the study of Stoicism to be a natural part of my progression in learning to help others. Learning that Albert Ellis was influenced by Epictetus sheds light on this compatibility, I think. I've read the Enchiridion, but have thought that maybe focusing on a particular quote per day might be a better way to digest and apply it, as there is a lot of think about in those pages. The Daily Stoic is a regular part of my routine and I certainly appreciate learning others' interpretations of Stoic history and principles.

[@Jide-bq9yf]

Thank you for devoting your time, to the revivification and popularization, of this exalted school of western philosophy.

[@garymcnabb7527]

Hello Ryan, I’m not sure how I was most recently introduced to your lectures, regardless of how, I want you to know they have added a new dimension, a practical dimension to my daily morning practice of prayer and meditation. These teachings which you present seem to form the basis for some other teachings of which I am aware of; live and let live, easy does it, one day at a time, let it go. I look forward to your daily stoic email and remain grateful for the abundant work you put into sharing this knowledge.

[@TheMusicalStylingsofBrentBunn]

I'm a big fan of the Echiridion. You can read the whole thing in 45 minutes, unless you like to get lost in thought along the way~

[@dayamitrasaraswati6276]

I've read Seneca and have just begun the discourses of Epictetus. Already I think the book is amazing! I thought Seneca was a favourite. Now I add Epictetus. I look forward to applying his teachings to my life. Thank you for this video.

[@The64v]

"Don't talk about it. Be about it."

[@Criwindustries]

I've been subbed to you for about a year now and I've been resistant to your wisdom. However I believe your youth has kept me from appreciating your depth. I find more and more respect for your work and your dedication. Thank you for having the staying power to help me overcome my predetermined lack of discernment.

[@thechadillac1211]

I love Epictetus and frankly before being exposed to your Daily stoic. I didn’t really bother reading anything other than Stockdales courage under fire and the Echiridion. Thank you.

[@selimalejri4535]

I have listened to this video some fifty times and will keep listening to it. Thank you for introducing us to Enchiridion. I have been reading it, bit by bit. ❤

[@marcosviniciuscastro6141]

I really want to learn how to deal with pain such as epictetus dealt with all his pain... sometimes my pain is so umbeareble that I want to just give up... thanks for all this teaching, helps me a lot... greetings from Brazil....

[@thejose965]

Thanks, Ryan for offering these great insights. Your enthusiasm is so contagious, and your content has brought about such a paradigm shift in my perception.

[@IceColdProfessional]

I'm reading Daily Stoic. Already it's changing my life for the better. I'm now able to navigate difficult coworkers and silence the voices of negativity in my mind. My mind is is like a flat piece of paper, a narrow beam of light, a sharpened and still blade.

[@MrCharleswr]

Ryan, thank you for making this easily accessible. Learning about the Stoicism has changed my life in a most positive manner.

[@oknilem666]

As a librarian I have respect for the placement of the fire extinguisher

[@lorenzoe.leonard4160]

Nice! It was my first read of the year and I also recently bought the physical copy of the book. This video comes at just the right time.

[@beeloved8600]

Fresh out of a break up, I looked to philosophy for help on how to be a better person. I found an app that gave quotes from the stoic philosophers while not actually knowing who they were. Epictetus felt like a life coach out of the main 3 stoics and became curious enough to find out who he was. Then, I stumbled onto this video and have started a long journey through, not just stoicism, but other schools of thought like this to better understand ways to live what can be seen as a good life. Harmony, always.

[@rajugurung7634]

6:50 9:50 . 10:00 13:00 15:40 18:00 19:50 20:10 20:15 21:40 22:00

[@ramonalewis6050]

I used to work in bindery at a local newspaper. Rick was a forklift driver. He has a degree in philosophy. He said that no one told him the only thing he could do with it was teach. All Rick did was read on his down time. He read dissertations. He'd go to the university library and make copies of papers, 600 pages long, put them in binders and just read. He was low key and kind and just cool.

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Great meditation to start the day- currently reading "meditations" by Marcus Aurelius & Seneca's "Hardship & Happiness"

[@B1GL3G3ND]

Thank you for the Knowledge Ryan. You are a remarcable human being.

[@favritzapp]

Appropriate that his name starts with “Epic”!

[@michaellanderfelt6903]

Great observation !!

[@zacharosgiorgis7871]

Very nice! But Epictetus was Greek and his name in Greek s compound of the words EPI + CTETUS..🙂

[@adi5877]

Although Epictetus means acquired one

[@rafaelgomez1989]

❤ THANK YOU FOR SPREADING THIS INCALCULABLE MESSAGE !!!!

[@EclecticEngineer604]

Just wanna thank you for all the knowledge you bless us with , I’m realizing that I also am using stoic philosophy as a means to cope with life❤️🙏🏼

[@yoseeev8306]

You make learning fun, thank you!

[@John-cq3hk]

Courage under Fire. Definitely wanna check that one out. I enjoyed this lesson because its possible that I have spent some time, past and present, wanting to control aapects of life and resenting what was not in my control. However, I can't tell if the the difference is between wanting to break free from that condition or merely just accepting responsibility. Idk. Thanks for the video.I enjoyed it, as i sustaned an injury, not able to work for a few months, in school, learning to deal with limited mobility...basically I have a strong sparing parter and this is a opportunity to strengthen my mind.

[@raymondblood6322]

Amor fati helped me lots when brother passed away

[@raymondtendau2749]

Memento Mori might be helpful as well.

[@akshatyadav9467]

My sincerest condolences, fellow human.

[@lifestylelines]

this was absolutely inspiring! Thank you, I needed that gentle nudge.

[@joshsanchez9793]

Damn i love Ryan's youtube vids

[@nonamehere-y2t]

Good man, you are, and of course Epictetus is my favorite of the stoics. Appreciate you.

[@antonyjmathias]

Every quote mentioned in this video blows my mind.

[@hopetoretire]

It is so simple and so powerful.

[@nickpopinski5722]

God bless you Ryan I needed this badly

[@jonathanacuna]

Thank you for putting so much research into this video. I learned so so much!!!

[@runsett]

Okay, this is the final step of information I needed before reading the actual book, thank you!

[@lauracoccia8623]

Make your own choices, despite broken leg (crack!) ego, feelings love etc....thanks Ryan

[@LuisDiego1967]

inspiring work my friend

[@Diazbeauthentic]

My favorite stoic!

[@magicjoeblack5761]

Snap.

[@DanielOrtaM]

Thank you for your videos. I just found them and I love them.

[@Rohvannyn]

A thought in the "dagger" meaning of Enchiridion, as well the "handbook" meaning. I grew up at a time when a knife was an indispensable tool. Actually it still is, for me and my spouse and my father, but some just don't get it. They think "knife = weapon." Well, a small dagger can help you eat, cut rope, sharpen some writing implements, trim fingernails, clean same, whittle sticks, cut shavings for a fire... OR protect your life or that of a loved one. That one little item, the knife, originally just a flake of rock, is probably the most useful tool ever created and one of the first ever invented. In ancient times one would always be to hand, and be something you couldn't live without. Kind of like Stoicism. I am beginning to see, through these videos and also my own reading, how Stoic thought is also a tool just as useful, just as helpful, as that sharp little object carried on the belt or in the pocket. I live in the desert and sometimes a thought or idea will come to me (lately through these videos) and it will feel like a cooling rain that washes away the dust and wets a parched throat. Yes, I signed up for the Daily Stoic and I love it! Thank you! Exploring Stoic thought is helping me rediscover my joy.

[@Rog.Tiks._]

Thank you for this Ryan.

[@daanschone1548]

One of your best videos I think.

[@deannecarter3921]

Heart explosion 💥 Love love love love this

[@kerry4385]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@darrellshoub7527]

Ryan great episode as always !

[@roncarp]

Ryan, Great Episode! RC

[@jessicacoulthard-thebringt6093]

BOOM!! This was FULL of head shakes.... thank you so much!!! 💓

[@edgartorres9481]

Thank you very much for these videos, friend.

[@TheDward123]

Would love to learn about your note taking and reading process.

[@theMRcub3]

Thank you ryan, this really helped me stop reading Stoics!!

[@suzanneboily5224]

Thank you from Canada. ❤❤

[@justahuman9864]

Much love 😊❤

[@perparim1079]

I grow up in albania hearing quotes like this from our elderly but always thought these guys were nuts until life hit me like a brick, then started reading stoic philosophy and everything started making sense

[@TheRealMACA]

this was a great intro for someone who never heard of him before (me lol). thx so much for making this video!

[@elisandrogoncalves6686]

Quite nice thank you for the work!!!

[@henriquerezende5394]

I Just want to say thank you 🙏

[@rlg222]

New to your channel. Just learning about Philosophy of Epictetus...Very interesting..

[@victorjaeger]

Thank you so much Ryan!

[@soldiersvejk2053]

His books was absolutely hilarious to read. The full Discourses only got translated to Chinese in 2011, and had only 1,000 printed. I can proudly say that I personally had purchased 1% of them and sent them out to my friends as gifts.

[@Warholing]

Holy cow, I just randomly watched this and I see you ran by Keeper of the Plains?! Awesome!

[@soldbygersom]

Thank you

[@timthemaranta3148]

Just what I've been looking for!

[@suzanneboily5224]

Very interesting!!! ❤❤❤

[@jasonblizzard9635]

His philosophy it seems is the opposite of the philosophy of not accepting a no-win scenario. He's a roll-with-the-punches, adapt as best you can, don't-sweat-the-small-stuff, guy, but this is not a winners mindset, imo. Love the content. Thank you!

[@joeysantos5009]

Thanks Ryan!!!

[@jamesgaffney4035]

That was very good, thank you for sharing!

[@jasminekowal487]

Wow your video is so interesting 🤔 🎉

[@RealziesCuts]

Thank you Ryan 💫

[@monicanudelman]

Thank you!!💪💪

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

Sure! Here's a comment you could leave in response to a viewer's "Thank you!!" on the video "How To Read Epictetus (Enchiridion, Discourses)": --- You're very welcome! It's always great to see others diving into the teachings of Epictetus. Have you found any particular part of the Enchiridion or Discourses that resonated with you the most? It's amazing how relevant his wisdom is, even today!

[@EnglishLearner-b8o]

I only yesterday started reading an e-book about Epictetus's philosophy, it is kind of hard since English is my second language but I hope by the time it passes I may start understand more of his philosophy which actually I would love to.(

[@ryanisright3559]

More video's like these! Very very helpful

[@darkknight67584]

Amazing video! Quintessence of stoic teachings.

[@bollywoodcole3694]

Very apt. In relation to our subsistence in this decaying capitalistic model, our bodies aren’t ours. Can’t count the number of dawns I’d wake up and exclaim to myself "I no longer have any desire to participate in this carceral system" But I’m going to incorporate Epicetus philosophy about ceding country on tangibles out of my control

[@hanslick3375]

happy he who learns to bear what he cannot change ... even happier he who learns to change what he cannot bear! I believe that there is a fundamental flaw in dividing things into those we have control over and those we haven't - because it is really not very clear what we do or do not have control over or at least, what we can or cannot influence we used to think that we have to take the weather for granted - but nowadays everybody screams about influencing the climate - and it is very likely that such things as weather weapons exist HOWEVER: all in all, the general idea is absolutely time proven and correct: focus on yourself and your sphere of influence instead of whining about circumstances

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

Thanks man.

[@oliverposniak1254]

Thanks

[@TheStoicBeacon-TGG]

Loved your insights on controlling emotions! Do you think journaling is still as effective today as it was for the Stoics?

[@DeFoInCali]

Okay you got my sub today. Watched a few of your videos. Earl Nightingale’s strangest secret lead me to your channel.

[@caleballen6540]

Thank you!

[@philklabe2771]

Epictetus still gets no fame only 172,000 views in a year. Such a great Stoic Philosopher

[@learninghowtolivetakesawholeli]

Awesome

[@DrRussell]

You are saving lives. Including mine.

[@dua99919]

Thank you!, Had been reading Epictetus. I think the writing style in The Art of Living by Sharon Lebell is way more easier and comprehensible. However, If someone wants to get a taste of the true experience of Epictetus sitting in Rome and engaging with his students, one should get a copy of Discourses and Selected Writings by Penguin Classic not an easy read but worth it. I even felt that some chapters lack consistency, referring to the penguin classics one. I had nearly completed it halfway through, but I can't seem to stick to it. I do tend to get a little confused because of its writing style. Any suggestions on how to stick to it?

[@penguins0392]

The part about the separation of the mind is different for me ( at this moment and from my experiences) I say this because I have depressive episodes at least once a week. However my body will feel restless and I could put my body through a gym workout even if I'm still feeling depressed. Additionally I've thought, my mind may have no control of its emotions but I can still push my body.

[@Shnzmnky41]

I gave the Enchiridion just a flat out, unbiased listen and there were so many bits that felt either subjective or straight up contradictive and I just couldn’t take it seriously after a certain point… I respect it but after a certain point just felt like I was being pandering(?) to try to see it through a serious and objective lens.

[@mountain-roots]

Ray Harvey. Nice!

[@WillN2Go1]

If someone is hurting you and you can maintain the distance from it that Epictetus was able to, then what's happening is that person has been abused to the degree they can disassociate from it. 'This is not happening to me. I am outside watching it. It will hurt and injure me if I care. ' I can choose to ignore it. A complete lack of any control over my circumstances.' Abused children do this. A therapist was shocked when I told him about doing just this. While being spanked with a belt I realized it wasn't really that painful, so I just stopped crying. I didn't respond. I was no longer going to go along with it. My father then hit me a couple more times with less and less enthusiasm and then just stopped. I, and Epictetus, wold see this a a victory over the external, my therapist was deeply concerned about the deeper psychological implications: I might just stop caring about what happens to me, I might be unable to form relationships. Personally, I think both are valid. What is missing from these otherwise terrific videos is recognizing that these stoic philosopher were probably, Epictetus definitely, stoics long before they'd ever heard anything about it or even about the idea of philosophy. There are two paths to stoicism: the first and strongest is to become stoical through life, disposition and circumstance; the second is to learn the philosophy and choose to follow its guidance. When I became a teacher it was quickly made clear to me that the boogie man was 'You could be fired." I'd been freelance my whole life, every day or every week a job ended and I had to find another. So I would lead my remarks with "I could be fired but...." Firing didn't scare me one bit. But then the petty people began to tell lies about me. That was a bit of a shock. I had to understand that not only could my actions and thoughts be criticized and misrepresented, but complete lies could be told about me. We should never feel safe in our stoicism, we always have to keep examining ourselves and not only our actions but our past actions. And as we cannot undo our mistakes, we can't even always make amends. Sometimes all we can do is be better in the future and accept that we are flawed,. If we forgive ourselves and try to do better, we have to be prepared to accept this in others. I doubt Epictetus looked up his old master, more likely he avoided any possible encounter. We can appreciate the teachers who helped us become stronger, but we have no obligation to bestow any credit to those who made us stronger by abuse and evil.

[@Archer-hg9rw]

Charlie munger was a fan of Epictetus too

[@paulbuono5088]

I see what he's talking about with the dichotomy, but clearly it shows influence of living in slavery where you literally had no freedom. I feel like today a lot of those things that are out of our control are not in fact out of our influence, or things that we have the power to respond and react to.