The Enchiridion
by Epictetus · first published 1955
71% recommend29% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Short, direct Stoic handbook with practical advice on facing adversity, anxiety and loss. Easy to read despite its age, so it suits newcomers to Stoicism and anyone wanting a pocket guide to keep consulting.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
<p>Born a slave and lamed by his master, <a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/epictetus">Epictetus</a> studied Stoic philosophy while in captivity. Once freed, he survived Domitian’s banishment of all philosophers from Rome to settle in Greece, where he founded a school of philosophy. He quickly rose to prominence as a renowned Stoic scholar and teacher, and even though he was personally friendly with emperors, he kept a simple life.</p> <p><i>The Enchiridion</i> is a summary of practical advice compiled by Epictetus’ student Arrian. While based on Epictetus’ <i><a href="https://stand
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The Enchiridion by Epictetus (and basically every other book on stoic philosophy). http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html My own opinion is that a lot of mental toughness can be developed simply by realizing…
on “Ask HN: Which are some of the best books on Mental Toughness?” ↗The Enchiridion (handbook) by Epictetus. It’s really a summary of a single idea, but the most valuable idea I have encountered- how to recognize that the hardships and problems we face mostly come from failing to identify…
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?” ↗…of my favorite books. Super interesting to get an inside look at how the most powerful man in the world used Stoicism to deal with both the weight of an empire, and with day-to-day trivialities. The Enchiridion is another Stoic "manual" that's very short and just as good: https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/epictetus/the-enchiridion/...
on “What the Stoics did for us” ↗…message they really lose most of it. One of the beautiful things about Stoicism is that the ancient philosophers were very mindful of speaking plainly, and their texts are extremely approachable. Epictetus' Enchiridion is very easy to parse and is packed full of very practical knowledge. It is one hundred percent the place to start. Following that, read Seneca's letters to Lucilius, which are titled either Moral Letters…
on ““Study Death Always”: Seneca’s advice for living centered on dying” ↗…naturally or immediately; rather it's something to keep in the back of one's mind and actively strive towards over the course of years. Those interested can also read Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius, and the Enchiridion, by Epictetus. Both are very short. Be careful with the translation you get of Meditations: if the first few paragraphs seem excruciatingly baroque, then you got a bad one--drop it and find a better…
on “A Guide to the Good Life” ↗A short collection of sayings by the stoic philosopher Epictetus called The Enchiridion. There's a free copy at http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html Sample: "Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it. If short, of a short one;…
on “Ask HN: What inspires you to persevere through adversity?” ↗Personally, I would cut out the middle men. Avoid glossy-covered and over-marketed summaries of other men's work. Grab a copy of Epictetus' discourses and his Enchiridion. Read Aurelius' meditations. Get familiar with Plutarch's Lives. This will get one started cheaply: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LUCRETIUS-EPICTETUS-12-Britannica-Gr... Be aware, this volume includes Lucretius…
on “A Simplified Modern Approach to Stoicism” ↗…familiar with the subject. I got much, much more from Epictetus than I did from Irvine, but he is, I think, a valuable on-ramp. I'm also not sure what the big deal is with Marcus Aurelius. Compared with The Enchiridion and even Seneca's letters, it's haphazard and dull. I'll give it another shot once I'm done with all of Seneca's letters. Personally, I would start with Irvine, then the George Long translation of The…
on “What if you didn't need money or attention?” ↗During a time of anxiety and depression I've discovered Stoic philosophy. Especially the Enchiridion from Epictetus somehow helped me to feel better. Also Seneca² is worth a read. It's over 2000 years old but surprisingly apt for the world of today. 1: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html…
on “Ask HN: What are your sources of inspiration and motivation?” ↗…to himself in later life. It's interesting to reading the internal grapplings of a man who was, to his countrymen, basically a walking god. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca's Letters from a Stoic - Epictetus' Enchiridion, which translates roughly as "handbook" and was assembled from the teachings of Epictetus, an exiled former slave, to those who traveled to live and study with him. I strongly recommend all three. If…
on “Why Is Stoicism Having a Cultural Moment?” ↗Suggestions: Epictetus' Enchiridion. A cheap, used Dover Editions copy off Ebay is all one needs. Also, if a Christian, morning and evening prayers by candlelight using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
on “Long-term stress erodes memory” ↗The Enchiridion of Epictetus is one of the main books of stoicism. It has really changed the way I see life and face adversity. It is very short and easy to read, despite being quite old, and contains actual down to…
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect?” ↗Learn Stoicism. My favorite classic is Enchiridion by Epictetus and Letters from a Stoic by Seneca. For a more modern approach: The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Burkman PD:I compiled a list of quotes from the best…
on “Ask HN: How do you guys develop mental toughness?” ↗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 Epictetus 2) The…
on “What one book could give me a new, useful superpower?” ↗…lot. If you are going through stressful and trying times, I would recommend reading any one page out of meditations. It will give you solace when life seems to be a battle against enormous odds. The Enchiridion by Epictetus is very good. If you like Meditations, you would love this too.
on “Meditations” ↗