Discourses Books 3 and 4

Although born into slavery, the first-century philosopher known as Epictetus maintained that all humans are perfectly free to control their lives. The ne plus ultra of Stoicism, his works outline clear-cut principles of right conduct and true thinking, and they exercise an ongoing influence on modern philosophy and intellectual attitudes. Epictetus's Discourses offer secular thinkers a mode of reasoning that dismisses the strictures of absolutism and emotionalism in exchange for a more peaceful and productive life. Recorded by one of the philosopher's disciples, the Discourses report discussions between Epictetus and his students. These informal but earnest exchanges cover a broad range of topics -- friendship, illness, fear, the quest for tranquility, and the futility of anger -- as the teacher guides his class through careful consideration of the Stoic conception and realization of the philosophic life. This compilation of Books 3 and 4 of Epictetus' Discourses is the second in a two-volume set (the first volume comprises Books 1 and 2) in Dover's Philosophical Classics. A collection of the major works in Western and Eastern philosophy, this series features low-priced, high-quality, unabridged editions that are ideal for teachers, students, and other readers. Book jacket.Epictetus is the author of 'Discourses Books 3 and 4', published 2004 under ISBN 9780486434438 and ISBN 0486434435.