Sharon Lebell
8 key ideas, each explained in our own words.
The Art of Living (Epictetus)
- IDEA 1
Ancient wisdom in plain words
Lebell presents a modern, easy-to-read version of the teachings of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic teacher who began life enslaved. She rewrites his short handbook so that today's readers can use its advice in ordinary life.
- IDEA 2
Know what is in your power
The starting point is to separate what is up to us, such as our opinions, choices and efforts, from what is not, such as our bodies, reputation and other people's actions. Peace comes from caring most about the first group.
- IDEA 3
Judgements upset us, not events
Epictetus taught that we are troubled not by events themselves but by our judgements about them. If we change how we interpret a setback, Lebell explains, we change how much it hurts.
Go deeper with Sharon LebellAsk questions, argue with the ideas and practise using them, free.
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