Transforming Speech into Reality?
This July, a unique opportunity presents itself for those seeking wisdom and resilience in their lives. A renowned platform is celebrating Epictetus Month, a month-long exploration into the teachings of the ancient Stoic philosopher, Epictetus. Guided by best-selling author Ryan Holiday, participants are invited to delve into Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion, a practical and enduring playbook in Stoic philosophy that has stood the test of time for nearly two millennia.
The Penguin Classics edition of Epictetus' Discourses, featuring a modern translation, is offered as part of the celebration. For those who wish to delve deeper, bundling the book with the How To Read Epictetus guide offers a 25% discount during Epictetus Month. This guide serves as an invaluable tool to help navigate Epictetus' teachings and apply them to modern life.
Epictetus, born a slave in 55 AD, embodied Stoicism despite enduring physical disability, exile, and hardships. His lessons emphasize the importance of daily disciplined practice, self-mastery, and clear mental distinctions about control.
**Daily Practice and Small Exercises**
Epictetus viewed Stoicism as a lifelong gymnasium for the soul, where one must train daily in self-restraint through small challenges. This means regularly practicing virtues such as patience, temperance, and compassion in everyday life.
**Focus Only on What Is Within Your Control**
A cornerstone of Epictetus' teaching is the dichotomy of control—actively distinguishing between what you can control (your thoughts, actions, responses) and what you cannot (others’ opinions, external events). Concentrate effort and emotional energy on the former, and adopt an attitude of acceptance or indifference toward the latter.
**Immediate Action Over Procrastination**
Epictetus advised embodying philosophy through deeds, not words. This translates to not postponing habits or virtues you want to develop—practice honesty, courage, or temperance immediately and consistently.
**Use Your Own Life as the Medium of Philosophy**
Rather than seeing Stoicism as abstract, Epictetus calls for shaping your life itself as a living work of Stoic art. This means reflecting on your daily choices and behaviors, confronting personal weaknesses, and nurturing reasoned compassion.
**Sustain a Simple, Purposeful Lifestyle**
Inspired by Musonius Rufus (Epictetus' teacher), adopting simplicity—such as modest clothing, diet, and living habits—can strengthen both body and soul, reinforcing resilience and minimizing distraction from Stoic goals.
This campaign encourages participants to start living the philosophy of Stoicism. The guide, available on the platform's website, serves as a roadmap for this journey. Ryan Holiday will guide the month-long journey, joined by thousands of Stoics worldwide. The live Q&A with Ryan Holiday on July 26th, exclusive to those who obtain the guide today, offers an opportunity to ask questions about Epictetus and applying his wisdom to life.
In the words of Epictetus, "Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it." Embody Epictetus' resilience and Stoicism today by turning Stoic principles into practical daily habits: training yourself through small challenges, focusing on your controllable actions, acting promptly without procrastination, living intentionally as your own philosophical work, and simplifying life to cultivate virtue and endurance. Join the platform's Epictetus Month event and start your journey into Stoicism today.
[1] Holiday, R. (2016). The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living. Dey Street Books. [2] Long, A. A., & Sedley, D. N. (Eds.). (2010). The Hellenistic Philosophers. Cambridge University Press. [3] Epictetus. (n.d.). Enchiridion. In The Internet Classics Archive. Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/enchiridion.html [4] Epictetus. (n.d.). Discourses. In The Internet Classics Archive. Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.html
- To further supplement one's education and self-development, a month-long exploration into the teachings of Epictetus is being offered online, complete with a guide and live Q&A with best-selling author Ryan Holiday.
- For those interested in personal growth and sports, a renowned platform is providing the Penguin Classics edition of Epictetus' Discourses and learning materials on sports-betting and basketball strategy, such as how to analyze NBA games for making informed decisions.
- In addition to the philosophy exploration and sports learning, the platform encourages users to participate in daily practice and exercises to cultivate virtues like patience, self-mastery, and compassion, fostering a simple, purposeful lifestyle.
- Apart from Epictetus, one can explore other areas of learning, including online courses on personal finance, cooking, and photography, ensuring there's an opportunity for growth in every aspect of life.
