Book Review: Epictetus Discourses
Epictetus is someone I feel I have to read, and do read, but don’t always enjoy. Well, not in the same way as Montaigne or Marcus Aurelius.
One reason may be the translation. Mine is from, I think, around 1910. The English is a bit stiff and stilted. Is he like this in Greek? I don’t know. For that reason, I tend to read a few pages here and there but never much in one sitting. How about you?
The Discourses Quotes
“Τίς εἶναι θέλεις, σαυτῷ πρῶτον εἰπέ: εἶθ’ οὕτως ποίει ἃ ποιεῖς. (First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.)”
“On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.”
“-Who are those people by whom you wish to be admired? Are they not these whom you are in the habit of saying that they are mad? What then? Do you wish to be admired by the mad?”
Review of Epictetus Discourses
Recommended Reading
Epictetus Discourses and some other Greek writers you might enjoy.
Epictetus page on Amazon. Lots of lovely version and formats here.
Learn to read Koine Greek A real jewel. “This in-depth yet student-friendly introduction to Koine Greek provides a full grounding in Greek grammar, while starting to build skill in the use of exegetical tools. The approach, informed by twenty-five years of classroom teaching, emphasizes reading Greek for comprehension as opposed to merely translating it.”
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