Epictetus, born around 50 AD in the ancient city of Hierapolis (now Pamukkale, Turkey), was a Greek Stoic philosopher.

Unlike many other philosophers of his time, Epictetus didn’t come from a wealthy or noble background – he began his life as a slave. It was during these early years that he was introduced to the teachings of Stoicism, which would shape the rest of his life and work.

After gaining freedom from slavery, he dedicated his life to teaching philosophy. Epictetus's teachings were recorded by his pupil Arrian, in the form of the Discourses and the Enchiridion, which continue to be influential texts in philosophy and personal development.

Here are three lessons which arise from the teachings of this famous Stoic philosopher.  

1. Be Mindful of The Dichotomy of Control

Epictetus famously stated that some things are within our control, while others aren’t.

Our opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions are within our power, whereas our bodies, possessions, and reputations are not. Recognising and accepting this division is crucial for achieving peace of mind.

2. Value Virtuous Living

In line with Stoic ethics, Epictetus argued that virtue is the foundation of happiness.

In Stoicism, virtue is understood as living in accordance with reason and nature. For Epictetus, this involves recognising what’s within and outside our control, and then acting in line with the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism:

1. Wisdom. This is the ability to navigate complex situations and make decisions that align with Stoic principles. Rather than being driven by impulses, emotions, or societal pressures, the wise person approaches every choice with careful deliberation and a commitment to acting in accordance with virtue. A related concept in modern therapy is wise mind in dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT).
2. Courage. This involves physical bravery as well as the moral courage to stand up for what’s right, face fears of death or loss, and maintain integrity under pressure. It's about overcoming the fear of things outside our control and focusing on how we respond to these challenges.
3. Justice. This involves dealing fairly with others, recognising our social nature and our roles within the community. It's about acting with honesty, generosity, and respect for others, ensuring we contribute positively to society.
4. Temperance. Temperance or moderation is about self-control and the ability to resist excess and harmful desires. It ensures that our appetites and impulses remain in harmony with reason, leading to a balanced and ethical lifestyle.

True happiness, he argues, can only be secured through virtuous living, which aligns us with the natural order of the cosmos.

3. Distinguish Between Perception and Reality

Epictetus emphasised the role of perception in human suffering and happiness. It's not events themselves that disturb people, but their judgements about them. By changing our perceptions and judgements, we nurture our mental wellbeing regardless of external circumstances.

The core principle of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) resonates closely with these teachings of Epictetus. Both emphasise the role of perception and interpretation in determining our mental wellbeing.

Just as Epictetus taught that our reactions to events, rather than the events themselves, are the source of distress, CBT operates on the principle that challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs can alleviate psychological suffering.

Summary

Epictetus's ancient teachings continue to offer valuable insights into achieving mental wellbeing through self-awareness, resilience, and wisdom. By embracing the lessons of Stoicism, you can find practical ways to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and tranquility.

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