It’s one of the most unbelievable stories in all of history.
A child is born into slavery and becomes one of the most influential philosophers not just in their own lifetime, but of all time.
Epictetus’s name, in Greek, translates to “acquired one.” In Rome, the law of the empire—Lex Aelia Sentia—was that no slave could be free before their 30th birthday. From those thirty years as the property of a violent and depraved master, in a Roman Empire known for treating its slaves cruelly, Epictetus would learn about the ultimate power human beings hold. This lesson would go on to guide emperors and exiles, war heroes and prisoners of war, and men and women all over the world for thousands of years. It is a lesson we parents must teach our kids—or the world will do it for us.
We are powerless over so much. We can be tossed around by the oceans, we can be struck down by disease, we can be literally put in chains. But each of us has power over the greatest empire: our minds. Our attitudes, our wants, our desires, our opinions about what has happened to us—Epictetus said, “even Zeus cannot deprive you of that fortune.”
And in a world full of misinformation and misdirection, isn’t this the inheritance we want to pass down? To show our children how to master their minds and hold onto their inner freedom, no matter the situation?
But first, we must know how to do so ourselves.
Learn how—alongside Ryan Holiday and our global Daily Stoic and Daily Dad communities—through August, Epictetus Month. We’re not only reading Epictetus, but learning how to use his lessons in our lives every day to become better people and parents—and in turn, helping our kids apply this wisdom to their lives.
Join us for a deep dive into the life, lessons, and legacy of Epictetus through his Discourses and Selected Writings and our How To Read Epictetus: A Daily Stoic Digital Guide, the comprehensive companion to help you engage with his practical tools for daily living.
This month only, get Epictetus’s Discourses and Selected Writings to save 30% on the digital guide. And, receive your invitation to Ryan Holiday’s LIVE Epictetus Q&A call—where you can ask questions about Epictetus and how to apply his wisdom to become a better parent—when you get the guide or bundle by August 26.
Get the guide and join us at dailystoic.com/epictetuscourse.
