The Enchiridion

Epictetus was a greek slave before becoming a philosopher. He taught the Stoic doctrine in Rome and had to emigrate in Epirus, at Nicopolis, where he attracted many disciples. "Some things are up to us and some are not up to us" and we must act accordingly, taking responsibility for planning and enacting what we can with virtue without becoming upset or disheartened by obstacles and reverses beyond our control. For many centuries, the Enchiridion maintained its authority both with Christians and Pagans.