The Best Advice in History: Epictetus' Manual for Living

The nuances of language can get lost in translation. Never is this truer than in the area of philosophy. As philosophy professor and scholar Christopher Largent discovered during the numerous courses he has taught on the subject, ancient philosophy can start sounding like a game of telephone. Some of the most famous lectures of the ancient world have been lost to time. All that remains are notes from admiring listeners.

One such listener was Arrian, a follower of the legendary Epictetus. Epictetus's work was so incendiary it got him kicked out of Rome. The philosopher spoke mostly about the art of living well. It is his most famous speech, the subject of Arrian's Enchiridion, that Largent is finally bringing to life.

Largent brings Epictetus to a new audience by reconstructing this famous lecture. Through Largent, Epictetus speaks from beyond the grave and lectures listeners on the following:

· The practical life-philosophy rule

· The impact of our judgments and expectations

· The human ability to respond to phenomena

· Numerous insights into behavior

Epictetus rose from his humble beginnings as a slave to become a famous orator. His work and his life still offer inspiration and meaning two thousand years later.