Enchiridion by Epictetus (George Long)

Review by Christopher Richards

Timeless wisdom

This 2,000-year- old self-help book is as relevant today as when Epictetus (slave turned philosopher) wrote it. The Enchiridion is a simple and pragmatic guide to Stoic conduct and self-mastery.

When someone speaks ill of you, rather than defend yourself (thereby giving legitimacy to the insult), reply, “[T]he man did not know the rest of my faults, for he would not have mentioned these only.” The English translation could be improved. Nevertheless, this slim volume expresses central values of inner calm and tranquility.

This is a book about integrity, dignity, and moderation. “Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things…“

He consoles us when dealing with people who need to inflate themselves at the expense of others. “I am richer than you, therefore I am better than you; I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better than you…[b]ut you are neither possessions nor speech.”

This is a very short book. Read it slowly and consider.