Description: "For anyone approaching the Encheiridion of Epictetus for the first time, this book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding a complex philosophical text. Including a full translation and clear explanatory commentaries, Epictetus's 'Encheiridion' introduces readers to a hugely influential work of Stoic philosophy. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens unravel the core themes of Stoic ethics found within this ancient handbook. Focusing on the core themes of self-control, seeing things as they are, living according to nature, owning one's roles and fulfilling the responsibilities that those roles entail, the authors elucidate the extremely challenging ideas in Epictetus's brisk chapters"--
Brief description: Scott Aikin is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA.
Review Quotes: 'There are some things that are up to us, others that are not up to us.' This simple yet profound statement begins Epictetus's Encheiridion, the most well-known and most approachable of all Stoic texts. Scott Aikin and William O. Stephens have given us a useful, refreshing, modern translation, along with extensive background material and a very thorough commentary on the paradoxes and subtleties of Stoicism, including how it applies to modern life. Both beginners and advanced readers will want to have this excellent volume in their library.
David B. Suits, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA