Epictetus: Stoic philosopher who transformed slavery into wisdom

Born into slavery and enduring hardship, Epictetus, the renowned Stoic philosopher, transformed his life through the power of Stoic philosophy. His teachings, rooted in resilience and inner strength, still inspire us today. 

Epictetus rose from the harsh reality of slavery to become a transformative figure in philosophy, with teachings that continue to resonate today, according to Greek media.

Born around 50 CE in Hierapolis, Asia Minor (modern-day Türkiye), his name translates to "The Acquired One" in Greek. Epictetus spent his early years as a slave to Epaphroditus, a wealthy freedman and secretary to Emperor Nero. In 68 CE, Epaphroditus played a role in helping Nero take his own life, an act that would have significant historical implications.

Despite his enslaved status, Epictetus found solace in philosophy and studied under the influential Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus. During this time, he also sustained a disability, which some accounts suggest may have been caused by his master’s abuse. One such story recounts how, after Epaphroditus twisted his leg violently, Epictetus calmly predicted the injury’s outcome, saying, "Did I not tell you that it would break?"—a testament to his composed nature and philosophical resilience.

After gaining his freedom, Epictetus began teaching and sharing his wisdom. However, in 89 CE, Emperor Domitian’s edict banished philosophers from Rome, forcing Epictetus to relocate to Nicopolis in Greece, where he established his own school and continued to teach until his death around 135 CE.

Though Epictetus wrote no philosophical texts himself, his teachings were recorded by his student Arrian, whose writings preserved the Stoic ideas that have shaped Western thought. Epictetus advocated for living in harmony with logos—the rational force guiding the universe—and emphasized that virtue lies in our responses to circumstances beyond our control. For Epictetus, true wisdom lies in mastering our internal reactions, teaching that the events themselves are neither good nor bad, but our perceptions of them define their moral value.

By Naila Huseynova