The Enchiridion
by Epictetus (125)
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Main Themes
Best For
High school and college students studying philosophy, book clubs, and readers interested in suffering & resilience and personal growth
Complete Guide: 51 chapter summaries • Character analysis • Key quotes • Discussion questions • Modern applications • 100% free
How to Use This Study Guide
Review themes and key characters to know what to watch for
Follow along chapter-by-chapter with summaries and analysis
Use discussion questions and quotes for essays and deeper understanding
Book Overview
The Enchiridion (meaning 'handbook') is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a student of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. It distills Stoic wisdom into practical guidelines for living, focusing on what is within our control and what is not, and how to maintain tranquility and virtue in all circumstances.
Why Read The Enchiridion Today?
Classic literature like The Enchiridion offers more than historical insight—it provides roadmaps for navigating modern challenges. Through our Intelligence Amplifier™ analysis, each chapter reveals practical wisdom applicable to contemporary life, from career decisions to personal relationships.
Skills You'll Develop Reading This Book
Beyond literary analysis, The Enchiridion helps readers develop critical real-world skills:
Critical Thinking
Analyze complex characters, motivations, and moral dilemmas that mirror real-life decisions.
Emotional Intelligence
Understand human behavior, relationships, and the consequences of choices through character studies.
Cultural Literacy
Gain historical context and understand timeless themes that shaped and continue to influence society.
Communication Skills
Articulate complex ideas and engage in meaningful discussions about themes, ethics, and human nature.
Major Themes
Key Characters
Epictetus
Teacher and narrator
Featured in 30 chapters
Socrates
Example of wisdom
Featured in 4 chapters
The Student
Implied audience
Featured in 3 chapters
The Servant
Example of uncontrollable behavior
Featured in 2 chapters
The Bath-Goers
Collective antagonist
Featured in 1 chapter
The Prepared Person
Stoic protagonist
Featured in 1 chapter
The Uninstructed Person
Negative example
Featured in 1 chapter
One Entering Upon Instruction
Student in progress
Featured in 1 chapter
One Perfectly Instructed
Ideal to aspire to
Featured in 1 chapter
The horse
Metaphorical example
Featured in 1 chapter
Key Quotes
"There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power."
"Remember, then, that if you attribute freedom to things by nature dependent and take what belongs to others for your own, you will be hindered, you will lament, you will be disturbed."
"Remember that desire demands the attainment of that of which you are desirous"
"If you shun sickness, or death, or poverty, you will run the risk of wretchedness"
"if you have a favorite cup, that it is but a cup of which you are fond of—for thus, if it is broken, you can bear it"
"if you embrace your child or your wife, that you embrace a mortal—and thus, if either of them dies, you can bear it"
"When you set about any action, remind yourself of what nature the action is."
"I will now go to bathe and keep my own will in harmony with nature."
"Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things."
"Thus death is nothing terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates."
"Be not elated at any excellence not your own."
"What then is your own? The use of the phenomena of existence."
Discussion Questions
1. According to Epictetus, what are the only two categories that everything in life falls into?
From Chapter 1 →2. Why does focusing on things outside our control lead to frustration and disappointment?
From Chapter 1 →3. According to Epictetus, what's the difference between wanting something you can control versus wanting something you can't control?
From Chapter 2 →4. Why does Epictetus say that desiring things outside our control leads to predictable disappointment rather than random bad luck?
From Chapter 2 →5. What does Epictetus mean when he says to remember that your loved ones are 'mortal' while you're embracing them?
From Chapter 3 →6. Why does Epictetus believe that our suffering comes from our surprise at loss rather than the loss itself?
From Chapter 3 →7. Why does Epictetus suggest mentally preparing for problems before going to the public bath?
From Chapter 4 →8. How does expecting chaos ahead of time change our emotional response when problems actually happen?
From Chapter 4 →9. According to Epictetus, what's the real source of our emotional upset - the events themselves or something else?
From Chapter 5 →10. Why does Epictetus use Socrates and death as his example? What point is he making about how wise people handle difficult situations?
From Chapter 5 →11. Why does Epictetus say it would be ridiculous for a horse to brag about being beautiful?
From Chapter 6 →12. What's the difference between enjoying something good in your life versus building your identity around it?
From Chapter 6 →13. What does Epictetus mean when he says we should be ready to 'drop everything and run' when the captain calls?
From Chapter 7 →14. Why does Epictetus warn older people not to wander too far from the ship? What makes us more vulnerable as we age?
From Chapter 7 →15. What's the difference between hoping for something and demanding it, according to Epictetus?
From Chapter 8 →For Educators
Looking for teaching resources? Each chapter includes tiered discussion questions, critical thinking exercises, and modern relevance connections.
View Educator Resources →All Chapters
Chapter 1: What You Can and Cannot Control
Epictetus opens with philosophy's most practical lesson: there are only two categories of things in life—what you can control and what you cannot. In ...
Chapter 2: The Art of Strategic Wanting
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in emotional self-defense by teaching us the difference between smart wanting and foolish wanting. He argues that dis...
Chapter 3: Preparing for Loss Before It Happens
Epictetus delivers one of his most challenging yet practical teachings: prepare for loss by constantly reminding yourself that everything you love is ...
Chapter 4: Preparing for Life's Daily Chaos
Epictetus uses the simple example of going to a public bath to teach a profound life lesson about mental preparation. In ancient Rome, public baths we...
Chapter 5: It's Not What Happens, It's How You See It
Epictetus delivers one of his most powerful teachings: we're not upset by what happens to us, but by how we think about what happens to us. He uses de...
Chapter 6: Don't Take Credit for Things You Don't Control
Epictetus uses a simple but powerful example to teach us about misplaced pride. He imagines a horse bragging about being handsome—which would be ridic...
Chapter 7: Stay Ready to Let Go
Epictetus uses the metaphor of a ship voyage to teach one of life's hardest lessons: how to love without clinging. Picture yourself on a ship that's t...
Chapter 8: Accept What You Cannot Control
Epictetus delivers one of the most powerful pieces of advice ever written in just two sentences. He tells us to stop demanding that life bend to our w...
Chapter 9: Your Mind vs Your Circumstances
Epictetus draws a crucial distinction that changes everything: there's a difference between what limits your body and what limits your spirit. He uses...
Chapter 10: Building Your Emotional Toolkit
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in emotional preparedness that reads like a survival manual for modern life. He argues that every difficult situation...
Chapter 11: Nothing Is Really Yours
Epictetus delivers one of his most challenging teachings: everything you think you 'own' is actually on loan. When your child dies, your spouse passes...
Chapter 12: The Price of Inner Peace
Epictetus cuts straight to the heart of a universal workplace dilemma: the exhausting cycle of trying to control everything around us. He presents a r...
Chapter 13: The Price of Looking Smart
Epictetus delivers a hard truth about the price of appearing wise: you can't focus on looking good and actually getting better at the same time. He's ...
Chapter 14: The Freedom of Letting Go
Epictetus delivers a hard truth about control and freedom that cuts straight to the heart of human suffering. He points out that wanting our loved one...
Chapter 15: The Banquet of Life
Epictetus offers one of philosophy's most practical metaphors: imagine life as a dinner party where dishes are passed around the table. When something...
Chapter 16: Supporting Others Without Losing Yourself
Epictetus tackles one of life's trickiest situations: how to help someone who's suffering without getting pulled into their emotional spiral. He uses ...
Chapter 17: Playing Your Assigned Role
Epictetus delivers one of his most powerful metaphors: life as a play where you're an actor given a specific role. You don't get to choose whether you...
Chapter 18: Turning Bad Omens into Good Luck
Epictetus uses the example of a raven's unlucky croak to teach a powerful lesson about perspective and control. In ancient times, people believed cert...
Chapter 19: Choose Your Battles Wisely
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in strategic thinking about life's battles. He argues that you become unconquerable not by winning every fight, but b...
Chapter 20: You Control Your Reactions
Epictetus delivers one of his most practical lessons: nobody can actually hurt your feelings without your permission. When someone insults you or trea...
Chapter 21: Keep Death in Your Pocket
Epictetus delivers one of philosophy's most practical pieces of advice: keep death and other 'terrible' things in your daily thoughts. This isn't abou...
Chapter 22: Handling the Haters
Epictetus delivers a reality check for anyone serious about self-improvement: people are going to mock you. When you start studying philosophy or maki...
Chapter 23: Don't Perform for Others
Epictetus delivers a sharp warning about the temptation to abandon your principles for external validation. He argues that the moment you start adjust...
Chapter 24: Your Worth Isn't Their Approval
Epictetus tackles one of our deepest fears: being nobody, having no influence, being forgotten. He imagines someone worrying about living in discredit...
Chapter 25: The True Price of Social Status
Epictetus tackles the sting of social exclusion with brutal honesty. When someone gets invited to parties you don't, gets promoted over you, or seems ...
Chapter 26: The Double Standard of Grief
Epictetus reveals one of humanity's most telling contradictions: we're philosophers when tragedy strikes others, but victims when it strikes us. When ...
Chapter 27: Evil Isn't the Point
Epictetus delivers one of his most comforting insights in just two lines. He uses the image of an archer's target to make a profound point about the n...
Chapter 28: Count the Cost Before You Commit
Epictetus opens with a powerful comparison: you'd be furious if someone handed your body over to a stranger to abuse, so why do you let random critics...
Chapter 29: Focus on Your Own Role
Epictetus teaches that our duties come from our relationships—father, sibling, neighbor, citizen—not from whether the other person deserves it. If you...
Chapter 30: True Faith and False Blame
Epictetus tackles one of humanity's oldest questions: how do we relate to forces beyond our control? He argues that true spirituality isn't about perf...
Chapter 31: When to Trust Your Gut Over Fortune Tellers
Epictetus tackles a very human tendency: running to fortune tellers, psychics, or anyone who claims they can predict the future when we're scared abou...
Chapter 32: Building Your Public Character
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in social navigation that reads like ancient advice for modern professional life. He argues that you need to decide w...
Chapter 33: The Pleasure Trap
Epictetus tackles one of life's most common struggles: resisting temptation when something pleasurable is dangled in front of us. He's not talking abo...
Chapter 34: Standing By Your Convictions
Epictetus delivers a powerful lesson about moral courage: when you know something is right, do it regardless of what others think. He makes a crucial ...
Chapter 35: Reading the Room Matters
Epictetus uses a simple but powerful comparison to teach us about reading situations correctly. He points out that the same statement can be either st...
Chapter 36: Stay in Your Lane
Epictetus delivers a sharp warning about the dangers of biting off more than you can chew. When you take on a role or responsibility that's beyond you...
Chapter 37: Protecting Your Mental Space
Epictetus offers a simple but powerful analogy: just as you naturally watch where you step to avoid nails or holes that could injure your foot, you sh...
Chapter 38: When Enough Becomes Too Much
Epictetus uses the simple example of a shoe to teach us one of life's most important lessons about boundaries. A shoe has one job: to fit your foot pr...
Chapter 39: Beyond Surface Value
Epictetus delivers a sharp observation about how young women get trapped in society's narrow expectations. He points out that when girls are constantl...
Chapter 40: Don't Get Lost in the Physical
Epictetus delivers a sharp warning about where we spend our mental energy. He argues that people who obsess over their bodies—whether through excessiv...
Chapter 41: It Seemed Right to Them
Epictetus tackles one of life's most painful experiences: being hurt or insulted by others. He offers a radical reframe that can transform how we hand...
Chapter 42: Two Handles for Every Problem
Epictetus presents one of his most practical tools for daily life: every situation has two handles—one that makes it unbearable, and one that makes it...
Chapter 43: You Are Not Your Stuff
Epictetus cuts through one of society's most persistent lies: that having more stuff makes you a better person. He shows how people constantly make lo...
Chapter 44: Don't Judge Without Understanding Motives
Epictetus teaches us to be careful observers rather than quick judges. When someone bathes quickly, we can say they're bathing hastily - that's just d...
Chapter 45: Actions Speak Louder Than Philosophy
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in authentic living: stop talking about your principles and start embodying them. He warns against the temptation to ...
Chapter 46: The Quiet Strength of Self-Discipline
Epictetus delivers a masterclass in authentic self-improvement versus performance for others. He warns against the trap of making your discipline into...
Chapter 47: The Philosopher's Self-Reliance
Epictetus draws a stark contrast between two types of people: the ordinary person who constantly looks outside themselves for validation, blame, and s...
Chapter 48: Knowledge Without Action Is Worthless
Epictetus delivers a sharp reality check about the difference between intellectual showing off and actual wisdom. He uses the example of someone who b...
Chapter 49: Stop Waiting to Become Who You Want to Be
Epictetus delivers a wake-up call that cuts straight to the heart of human procrastination. He argues that once you've learned what's right, you need ...
Chapter 50: Three Levels of Learning
Epictetus concludes his manual with a crucial insight about learning: there are three levels of philosophy, but we get them backwards. The first level...
Chapter 51: The Journey Complete
This marks the completion of Epictetus's handbook for living—a collection of 51 practical principles for navigating life's challenges with wisdom and ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Enchiridion about?
The Enchiridion (meaning 'handbook') is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a student of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. It distills Stoic wisdom into practical guidelines for living, focusing on what is within our control and what is not, and how to maintain tranquility and virtue in all circumstances.
What are the main themes in The Enchiridion?
The major themes in The Enchiridion include Personal Growth, Class, Social Expectations, Identity, Human Relationships. These themes are explored throughout the book's 51 chapters, offering insights into human nature and society that remain relevant today.
Why is The Enchiridion considered a classic?
The Enchiridion by Epictetus is considered a classic because it offers timeless insights into suffering & resilience and personal growth. Written in 125, the book continues to be studied in schools and universities for its literary merit and enduring relevance to modern readers.
How long does it take to read The Enchiridion?
The Enchiridion contains 51 chapters with an estimated total reading time of approximately 2 hours. Individual chapters range from 5-15 minutes each, making it manageable to read in shorter sessions.
Who should read The Enchiridion?
The Enchiridion is ideal for students studying philosophy, book club members, and anyone interested in suffering & resilience or personal growth. The book is rated beginner difficulty and is commonly assigned in high school and college literature courses.
Is The Enchiridion hard to read?
The Enchiridion is rated beginner difficulty. Our chapter-by-chapter analysis breaks down complex passages, explains historical context, and highlights key themes to make the text more accessible. Each chapter includes summaries, character analysis, and discussion questions to deepen your understanding.
Can I use this study guide for essays and homework?
Yes! Our study guide is designed to supplement your reading of The Enchiridion. Use it to understand themes, analyze characters, and find relevant quotes for your essays. However, always read the original text—this guide enhances but doesn't replace reading Epictetus's work.
What makes this different from SparkNotes or CliffsNotes?
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