Discourses
by Epictetus · first published 1766
63% recommend37% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Stoic teachings from a former slave turned teacher, blunt and practical, with a no-nonsense tone and some humor. Suits readers wanting tools for contentment, or those who enjoyed Meditations and Seneca and want more.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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1) Discourses (incl Enchiridion) by Epictetus, if you're interested in happiness and contentment. 1a) A Guide to the Good Life is an easier introduction to Stoic philosophy if you don't want to dive straight into…
on “What one book could give me a new, useful superpower?” ↗If you enjoyed Meditations please keep a lookout for anything by Epictetus. Depending on the publisher titles may vary, but Discourses is common (iirc they were notes compiled from his many stories and teachings). You won't be disappointed.
on “The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius” ↗I really enjoy the writings of the Stoic philosophers. If you enjoyed Seneca, you should check out Marcus Aurelius' Meditations[1] and Epictetus' Discourses[2] EDIT: changed the links to Project Gutenberg links on jwdunne's suggestion 1: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2680 2: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10661
on “Seneca: On the Shortness of Life” ↗The Black Swan (anything by Taleb really), Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Letters from a Stoic by Seneca, Epictetus' Discourses, Fish that ate the whale by Rich Cohen, Man's Search for Meaning, Titan, Principles by Ray Dalio (not really a book, but really worth reading, plus it's free), 4HW by Tim Ferris, The Strategy Paradox.…
on “Ask: Read a book that changed your life? Title?” ↗Both amazing, but I think I prefer Epictetus' Discourses to either one. I'm not a big fan of Guide to the Good Life either -- mostly because I think it takes a very profound (and by no means simple or obvious) set of ideas and reduces it to a kind of intellectual…
on “What if you didn't need money or attention?” ↗…campaign. From that perspective I think it's impressive how insightful he managed to be in short bursts. But if you are looking for something more long-form, you might try Seneca's Letters or Epictetus Discourses.
on “Ask HN: What was the one book that you read and it actually changed your life?” ↗…come? This he anticipates. He makes his life long by combining all times into one." > "Is resignation the only way to keep sane?" Resignation is not likely to produce the good you seek. Epictetus' Discourses [1,2] offers advice on attaining and maintaining tranquility, even in the midst of hardship. If you have the time and interest, a meditation retreat may offer deeper, experiential insight into the nature…
on “Ask HN: How to be in peace with all the wrong in the world?” ↗…are laugh-out-loud funny. (The translation I used for the above quotes is 'Hardship and Happiness'; Chicago University Press.) [1] I strongly suggest to immerse yourself into this edition 'Epictetus Discourses, Fragments, and Handbook' (Robin Hard and Chris Gill; Oxford World's Classics). This is the most accurate and readable English translation.
on “How to Think about Pleasure” ↗…Martin Hammond and published by Penguin Classics. Lots of illuminating Notes. * Translation by Robin Hard and published in "Oxford World's Classics" series. Robin Hard also has a translation of Epictetus' Discourses/Enchiridion/Fragments and Sayings and Anecdotes of Diogenes in the same Oxford series, both of which are also excellent. PS: All of the above contain a detailed Introduction to the work which you should…
on “Ask HN: Books that impacted your work that few other people seem to care about?” ↗I really liked Epictetus' Discourses. He has a very sort of no-nonsense Dr House vibe going with his bum leg and constant criticism of his pupils. A lot less full of shit than some other Roman Stoics. Maybe not everyone's jam, but I found…
on “Ask HN: What is one book you would recommend everyone to read?” ↗The basic idea of Critical Thinking has already been provided by the Stoics, here is Epictetus' Discourses; In the first place, do not allow yourself to be carried away by [the] intensity [of your impression]: but say, ‘Impression, wait for me a little. Let me see what you are, and what you represent. Let…
on “Ask HN: How to start developing critical thinking?” ↗Reading Epictetus’ Discourses has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. One note, the authors claims Arrian wrote The Discourses over four books, but in reality it was eight and only four survive. This calls into question…
on “Emily Wilson on Epictetus” ↗…of my head: * The Inner Citadel/Philosophy as a Way of Life by Pierre Hadot * Plato's dialogues (someone already mentioned a few of them, but the Republic was missing from their list). * Epictetus (Discourses and Enchiridion) * The various essays/letters of Seneca * Matter and Consciousness by Churchland (older, but fascinating) * The Mediations of Marcus Aurelius * (mostly) any Buddhist texts * What…
on “Ask HN: What non-fiction do you read?” ↗…something to look forward to." I'm not a big Elvis fan but if you agree with the quote, then what is missing from your life? That's a good place to start. For books, I'd recommend reading Epictetus' Discourses, he was raised a slave and became a great teacher, Way of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
on “Ask HN: I am a depressed student, looking to travel + just be, please advice.” ↗…opposed to, say, certain domains in analytic philosophy wherein understanding is impossible without years of prior reading. Seneca's various Letters [1], Marcus Aurelius' Meditations [2], Epictetus' Discourses [3] are all good places to start. There are a variety of translations for those titles available for free (see links). [1] - https://archive.org/stream/Seneca/Seneca_djvu.txt [2] - http://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html…
on “Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2013?” ↗