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“The other day I had an iron lamp placed beside my household gods. I heard a noise at the door and on hastening down found my lamp carried off. I reflected that the culprit was in no very strange case. ‘To-morrow, my friend,’ I said, ‘you will find an earthenware lamp; for a man can only lose what he has.” (Chapter XI of Golden Sayings of Epictetus.)
Epictetus, the great Stoic teacher and philosopher, had many loyal disciples. The most fervent of Epictetus’ followers, Arrian, carefully recorded his words and teachings and compiled Epictetus’ lesson in two compilations: Discourses and Encheiridion. The Golden Sayings if Epictetus is a collection of aphorisms, parables, and short lessons that pontificate upon Stoic philosophy.
Epictetus’ lessons in self-reliance and finding contentment only within oneself is especially remarkable considering his extraordinary life. Born a slave, it is thought that Epictetus became lame because of severe beatings. After he was freed, he was still afflicted by his ailments and fled his home in Italy after the Emperor banished all philosophers. His writings have garnered the admiration of Christians and pagan culture for centuries. There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.
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