Manual on the Art of Living

Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD), of Hierapolis (Phrygia), was a Stoic philosopher. His Manual on the Art of Living gives explicit advice on how to live – it is a collection of principles that together provide a philosophy for everyday life. The basis of stoic philosophy is self-knowledge. Integrity, self-management, and personal freedom are the main points that Epictetus focuses on. Epictetus was born into slavery, but he remained free. He lived in poverty, but he remained happy. By putting into practice all his wise instructions, man can conquer virtue and become happy.