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The Slave Who Was Free | Berkeley’s AA Long on Epictetus
Apr 11, 2025
AA Long, a renowned scholar of Hellenistic philosophy, dives into the life and teachings of Epictetus, a former slave turned Stoic philosopher. Discover how Epictetus’s journey inspires personal fulfillment and success through the pursuit of virtue and happiness. Long discusses the interconnectedness of Stoic virtues and contrasts them with traditional Stoicism. He also navigates the importance of mastering perception and emotional agency, showcasing how Epictetus's insights are incredibly relevant in today's world.
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Quick takeaways
- Epictetus illustrates that true happiness is rooted in one's internal perspective and responses, independent of external circumstances.
- The pursuit of virtue, rather than external wealth or power, is essential for attaining genuine happiness according to Epictetus' teachings.
Deep dives
Epictetus and the Nature of Happiness
Epictetus emphasizes that happiness is attainable regardless of external circumstances, rooted in one's own perspective and responses. His personal history as a slave illustrates this concept, as he managed to maintain his happiness despite facing significant hardships. The idea that happiness is an internal state available to everyone is central to his teachings. Even after gaining his freedom and becoming a sought-after teacher, his philosophy remained focused on the realization that true freedom lies in one's mental state.
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