The Stoic philosopher Epictetus (l.c. 50- 130 CE) following the example of Socrates, wrote none of his teachings down, preferring to impart his wisdom to his students through class discussions. His student Arrian collected and edited the lectures and discussions he attended in eight books, of which four remain extant, and distilled his master's thoughts in the Enchiridion (`Handbook'). That philosophy was a way of living, not merely an academic discipline, is apparent throughout the Enchiridion and is expanded upon in his other work, the Discourses. Though born a slave, Epictetus gained his freedom and taught both in Rome and Greece. He learned Stoic philosophy first from his master and developed the fundamental ideas into a philosophy which he felt could liberate one from the slavery of circumstance.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/173/from-slavery-to-freedom-epictetus-path/.
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