Manual

The Manual (or Encheiridion) is a condensed version of the main doctrines of the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Epictetus, who lived from approximately 55 to 135 AD, taught that true education lies in recognizing that only one's will or purpose truly belongs to an individual. He emphasized that external circumstances cannot compel or thwart one's will.1

The core teachings, as transmitted by his pupil Arrian, highlight two key maxims: nothing is good or bad except for the will, and one should not try to anticipate or direct events but rather accept them intelligently. Epictetus believed that humans are citizens of a great system encompassing God and all people, and that by aligning one's will with nature and God's will, one can achieve a life of virtue and wisdom. This philosophy contrasts with Epicureanism, which identifies the good with pleasure and the absence of pain.12