The Enchiridion of Epictetus

The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Although the content is mostly derived from the Discourses of Epictetus, it is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts. Eschewing metaphysics, Arrian focuses his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy to daily life. The book is thus a manual to show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances The Enchiridion appears to be a loosely-structured selection of maxims.[10] In his 6th-century Commentary, Simplicius divided the text into four distinct sections suggesting a graded approach to philosophy:[10] Chapters 1-21. What is up to us and not, and how to deal with external things. 1-2. What is up to us and not, and the consequences of choosing either. 3-14. How to deal with external things (reining the reader in from them). 15-21. How to use external things correctly and without disturbance. Chapters 22-28. Advice for intermediate students. 22-25. The problems faced by intermediate students. 26-28. Miscellania: the common conceptions, badness, and shame. Chapters 30-47. Technical advice for the discovery of appropriate actions (kathēkonta). 30-33. Appropriate actions towards (a) other people, (b) God, (c) divination, (d) one's own self. 34-47. Miscellaneous precepts on justice (right actions). Chapters 48-53. Conclusions on the practice of precepts. 48. Final advice and his division of types of people. 49-52. The practice of precepts. 53. Quotations for memorisation.