Epictetus

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived under the Roman Empire. Born into slavery, he taught that freedom depends on distinguishing what lies within personal control from what does not; his teachings survive through the notes of Arrian.

Epictetus was born in Hierapolis and died in Nicopolis. Born enslaved, Epictetus gained his freedom and taught Stoic philosophy first at Rome and later at Nicopolis; his pupil Arrian preserved his teaching in the Discourses and Enchiridion, which emphasise control over judgement rather than external events.