Stoic Philosophy – Epictetus & Marcus Aurelius

Stoicism is one of the most influential schools of philosophy to emerge from the ancient world. Founded in Athens in the 3rd century BC, it teaches that true happiness does not depend on wealth, power, or external circumstances, but on cultivating wisdom, self-discipline, courage, and justice. Its practical approach to life has inspired philosophers, statesmen, military leaders, psychologists, and millions of readers for more than two thousand years.

This collection brings together the complete surviving works of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, two of Stoicism's greatest voices. Together, they offer a philosophy not only to be studied, but to be lived.

• Epictetus – Discourses I – An introduction to Stoic ethics, freedom, and the disciplined pursuit of virtue.
• Epictetus – Discourses II – Reflections on self-control, responsibility, and overcoming adversity.
• Epictetus – Discourses III – Practical lessons on character, relationships, and living according to reason.
• Epictetus – Discourses IV – A guide to inner freedom, resilience, and the Stoic way of life.
• Epictetus – Enchiridion – The concise handbook of Stoicism, presenting its essential principles alongside surviving fragments of Epictetus' teachings.
• Marcus Aurelius – Meditations I – The personal reflections of a Roman emperor on virtue, duty, mortality, and self-mastery.
• Marcus Aurelius – Meditations II – The continuation of one of history's most influential philosophical journals, exploring resilience, purpose, and the search for inner peace.

Together, these works form one of the greatest collections of practical philosophy ever written. Their teachings on emotional resilience, ethical leadership, self-awareness, and the distinction between what we can and cannot control remain profoundly relevant in the modern world.

About This Edition

This collection presents the complete surviving works of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius in seven volumes.

Each volume includes:

• The original Ancient Greek text
• A Modern Greek translation on facing pages
• A scholarly introduction
• Detailed commentary and explanatory notes

Designed for both study and personal reflection, this edition allows readers to engage directly with the original texts while benefiting from the historical and philosophical insights provided throughout the commentary.

About Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius

Epictetus (c. AD 50–135) was born into slavery and later became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. Although he wrote nothing himself, his student Arrian recorded his teachings in the Discourses and the Enchiridion, works that have shaped ethical thought for centuries. Epictetus taught that while we cannot control external events, we can always control our judgments, choices, and actions.

Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) was a Roman emperor and one of history's most admired Stoic philosophers. His Meditations, written as private reflections rather than for publication, offer a deeply personal exploration of virtue, duty, mortality, and inner freedom. Today, they remain among the most widely read philosophical works in the world, valued for their timeless wisdom and practical guidance for everyday life.