It’s one of the most unbelievable stories in all of history.
A kid is born into slavery and becomes one of the most influential philosophers not just in their own lifetime, but of all time.
Epictetus’ name, in Greek, translates literally to “acquired one.” In Rome, the law of the empire—Lex Aelia Sentia—was that no slave could be free before their 30th birthday. But 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. In time, this lesson would go on to guide men and women, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, emperors and exiles, war heroes and prisoners of war. 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: the one between our ears. 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.
If that’s something you want to learn how to do or just get better at, then you may be interested in something thing we’re doing this July at Daily Stoic we’re calling Epictetus Month. It’s a deep dive into the life, lessons, and legacy of Epictetus through our BRAND-NEW course How To Read Epictetus (A Daily Stoic Digital Guide).
How to Read Epictetus (A Daily Stoic Digital Guide) is a detailed, structured companion to help you engage with Epictetus the way he was meant to be read: as a teacher of practical, daily tools for living.
The guide breaks down major themes, key passages, and Stoic exercises, so you can read Epictetus with clarity and apply his timeless wisdom to your actual life—and in turn help your kids apply this wisdom to their lives.
If you get the guide before July 26, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to a LIVE Q&A session with Ryan Holiday, where you can ask questions about Epictetus and how to use his wisdom to become a better parent.
We also have copies available of the Penguin Classics edition of Epictetus’s Discourses—and easy-to-read, modern translation that maintains the original meanings of Epictetus’s wisdom.
Receive a 25% discount when you bundle the book with our How To Read Epictetus guide—an exclusive offer only available during Epictetus Month.
Head to dailystoic.com/epictetuscourse to learn more and get your book, guide, or bundle today!
