Born into slavery, lame for life, eventually freed and teaching philosophy in Rome and then Nicopolis — Epictetus taught philosophy as a practical discipline for living well. His central teaching: some things are in our power (our judgments, intentions, actions); other things are not (our bodies, reputation, circumstances). Confuse the two and suffer; distinguish them and be free.
His student Arrian recorded his talks as the Discourses and condensed them into the Enchiridion — “handbook” — which has been carried by soldiers and contemplatives from James Stockdale to contemporary readers.