Short Works
What is Short Works about?
This collection of Epictetus’s shorter works includes the Enchiridion (Handbook), a concise distillation of his Stoic philosophy compiled by his student Arrian. The Enchiridion condenses the key principles of the Discourses into a portable manual for daily life: the dichotomy of control, the importance of focusing on one’s own judgments and actions, acceptance of fate, and the cultivation of virtue. Additional fragments and shorter pieces round out this volume, offering further glimpses of Epictetus’s practical, no-nonsense approach to living well.
Main themes in Short Works
Stoic handbook
Short Works thoughtfully explores stoic handbook through its central conflicts.
Practical philosophy
The presence of practical philosophy in Short Works connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Dichotomy of control
The presence of dichotomy of control in Short Works connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Daily wisdom
The presence of daily wisdom in Short Works connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why Short Works is still relevant today
The Enchiridion is one of the most influential short works in Western philosophy, a pocket guide to Stoic living that has been carried by soldiers, statesmen, and seekers for nearly two millennia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Enchiridion?
A concise handbook of Stoic principles distilled from Epictetus’s teachings—a practical guide to living well by focusing on what is within our control.
How is it different from the Discourses?
The Enchiridion is a brief summary of key principles; the Discourses are the full conversational lectures.
Is it a good starting point for Stoicism?
Excellent. The Enchiridion is the most accessible introduction to Stoic philosophy and can be read in a single sitting.
Can I read it free?
Yes, the complete text is available free on TextStack.