A white book titled "ENCHIRIDION" by Epictetus with "A Stoic Handbook" on the cover and a black illustration of a bearded man, standing upright on a textured beige surface with soft plant shadows in the background.

Epictetus' Enchiridion

Focus on what depends on you.
For those who seek practical wisdom from the ancient world.

  • Modern English translation of the Epictetus Enchiridion

  • Based on the original Enchiridion of Epictetus

  • Originally compiled in the 2nd century AD as a practical Stoic handbook

  • Follows the complete 53-section structure with added chapter titles for clarity

  • Delivered as a clean, downloadable PDF file

Discover practical ideas for focusing on what is up to you. Explore our Enchiridion-inspired mugs collection.

Lived: c. 50โ€“135 AD, Hierapolis (Phrygia, modern-day Turkey); later Rome and Nicopolis, Greece

Known for: Born into slavery in the Roman Empire, he later gained his freedom and become a Stoic teacher who ran a philosophy school in Nicopolis. He taught students how to live with reason, discipline and self-control.

Famous for: He never wrote anything himself. His teachings survive through the recordings of his student Arrian, who preserved them in the Discourses and later compiled the shorter handbook known as the Enchiridion.

Note: The Enchiridion was compiled in the early 2nd century AD by Arrian, a student of Epictetus, based on his teacherโ€™s spoken teachings. Chapter divisions vary between editions. This edition follows a division of 53 chapters and includes descriptive chapter titles to help modern readers navigate the text. These titles are editorial additions. No original material has been added or removed, and the translation remains faithful to the original meaning while using clear, modern English.

Want to learn more about the teacher behind the handbook? Read Who Was Epictetus?

  • Author: Epictetus
  • Compiler: Arrian
  • Translation: Modern English edition translated and edited for clarity by Delphi Fair
  • Length: 36 pages
  • Original Language: Ancient Greek
  • Original Date: Early 2nd century AD
  • Format: Downloadable PDF compatible with computers, tablets, and smartphones
  • Structure: Complete 53-section edition with descriptive chapter titles for easier navigation
  • Delivery: Instant digital download after submitting your email address
  • License: Free for personal use and sharing

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