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How to Be Free cover art

How to Be Free

By: Epictetus, Anthony Long - introduction, Anthony Long - translator
Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
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Summary

Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison. In How to Be Free, A. A. Long - one of the world's leading authorities on Stoicism and a pioneer in its remarkable contemporary revival - provides a superb new edition of Epictetus's celebrated guide to the Stoic philosophy of life (the Encheiridion) along with a selection of related reflections in his Discourses.

Freedom, for Epictetus, is not a human right or a political prerogative but a psychological and ethical achievement, a gift that we alone can bestow on ourselves. We can all be free, but only if we learn to assign paramount value to what we can control (our motivations and reactions), treat what we cannot control with equanimity, and view our circumstances as opportunities to do well and be well, no matter what happens to us through misfortune or the actions of other people.

How to Be Free features splendid new translations and a compelling introduction that sets Epictetus in context and describes the importance of Stoic freedom today. The result is an unmatched introduction to this powerful method of managing emotions and handling life's situations, from the most ordinary to the most demanding.

©2018 Princeton University Press (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

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Sage

This audiobook is insightful and engaging. It is definitely needs a second and third read and as-needed referrals thereafter.

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Fascinating!

Absolutely fascinating, clear understanding of how to manage the mind and expectations of well-being. The Greeks are genius’s!

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Amazing

You will larn many useful things if you want to understand about freedom. Interesting

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Good and informative

Good informative and well presented Production with some great advice. Stoicism does seem somewhat counter intuitive to someone with has natural empathy but a good listen nonetheless.

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A very good translation of the handbook

If you want a good introduction to the stoic philosopher, then this book is one I highly recommend. Not to long and easy to understand.

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1 person found this helpful