Seven Timeless Lessons from Epictetus on How to Deal with Life's Difficulties
- personal995
- Jul 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher renowned for his profound insights into navigating life's challenges, provides enduring wisdom that resonates across centuries. Born a slave in Hierapolis, Phrygia (present-day Pamukkale, Turkey) around 55 CE, Epictetus endured the hardships of servitude under his master Epaphroditus, a wealthy freedman in Rome. Despite his enslaved status, Epictetus seized the opportunity to study Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus, eventually gaining his freedom after Emperor Nero's death in 68 CE.
Epictetus' life experiences profoundly shaped his philosophical outlook, emphasizing resilience, self-mastery, and virtue as keys to a fulfilling life. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian in the Discourses and the Enchiridion, emphasize the importance of distinguishing between what is within our control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and what is not (external events and circumstances). This distinction forms the cornerstone of his philosophy, empowering individuals to find peace and fulfillment by focusing their efforts on the things they can change while accepting with equanimity what they cannot.
Epictetus' practical lessons extend beyond mere theoretical discourse, offering pragmatic advice on how to cultivate inner tranquility amidst life's adversities. Central to his teachings is the concept of apatheia, not as apathy but as a state of being free from harmful passions that cloud reason and disturb peace of mind. By aligning one's desires and aversions with reason and virtue, individuals, according to Epictetus, can attain a profound sense of inner freedom and contentment.
In today's fast-paced and often turbulent world, Epictetus' Stoic teachings continue to resonate, offering a timeless blueprint for navigating personal and societal challenges with grace and wisdom. His emphasis on ethical living, resilience in the face of adversity, and the pursuit of inner tranquility serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding individuals towards a life of purpose, virtue, and fulfillment.
1. Focus on what you can control
Epictetus emphasizes that we should only concern ourselves with what is within our control—our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. External events and other people's actions are beyond our control, so focusing on them leads to frustration and anxiety.
"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will."
Enchiridion, Epictetus
2. Acceptance of what cannot be changed
Central to Stoic philosophy is the idea of accepting things as they are, especially when we cannot change them. This doesn't mean passivity but rather a rational acceptance that allows us to redirect our efforts towards what we can change.
"Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well."
Enchiridion, Epictetus
3. Practice resilience and perseverance
Epictetus encourages developing resilience in the face of adversity. He teaches that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that enduring difficulties with patience and perseverance strengthens character.
"Difficulties show men what they are. In case of any difficulty, remember that God has pitted you against a rough antagonist that you may be a conqueror, and this cannot be without toil."
Discourses, Epictetus
4. Maintain perspective
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad perspective on life's challenges. Epictetus suggests that we should view difficulties as opportunities to exercise virtues such as courage, wisdom, and temperance.
"It is not things themselves that disturb people, but their judgments about those things."
Enchiridion, Epictetus
5. Practice self-discipline and moderation
Epictetus advocates for self-discipline in desires and actions. By practicing moderation and avoiding excess, we can prevent many unnecessary difficulties in life.
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
Enchiridion, Epictetus
6. Cultivate gratitude
Stoics believe in the power of gratitude to shift our focus from what we lack to what we already have. Epictetus encourages reflecting on the positives in our lives, even amidst challenges.
"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
Enchiridion, Epictetus
7. Prepare for adversity
Epictetus teaches that we should anticipate difficulties and mentally prepare ourselves to face them. By expecting challenges, we can approach them with greater equanimity and less surprise.
"Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents."
Discourses, Epictetus
Applying these principles from Epictetus in daily life can help in navigating difficulties with greater resilience, clarity, and peace of mind.
Further reading:
The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments by Epictetus (Library: Philosophy)
Energy Management (Health)
Strength (Potential)
Detachment (Wisdom)
Metacognitive Strategies (Mental Models)
