You Were Unsuspecting, Not Unwarned
Summary
Ryan Holiday introduces Epictetus, highlighting his life as a slave and the origins of his lecture notes, The Discourses. The episode features a reading from Book 1, focusing on the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. Epictetus argues that while our bodies and possessions are external, our reason and will remain inviolable. He urges listeners to accept external events calmly and focus solely on their own judgments and actions.
Topics discussed
Intro: You were not unwarned about adversity
Ryan Holiday introduces Epictetus and The Discourses
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Epictetus: Reason as the faculty that analyzes itself
Zeus's gift: The power of positive and negative impulse
The error of attaching to things outside our control
Stoic attitude toward death, chains, and exile
Case study: Calm response to condemnation and exile
Promo: How to Read Epictetus guide and Q&A call
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