Werke (Nach Den Aufzeichnungen Des Arrian): Griechisch - Deutsch (Sammlung Tusculum)

Description

If it is said of Socrates that he brought philosophy down from heaven to earth and forced it to investigate life, morals, good and evil, it can be said of Epictetus that he reduced man to his proper measure: philosophy teaches his insignificance by repeatedly asking him to recognise himself in his extreme limitations and vulnerability. In the end, it is nothing more than the preparation for a dignified farewell to the world. This brings us full circle to Socrates.

For Epictetus, turning away from the world is unthinkable. For it is a cosmos filled and ordered by the divine spirit. Therefore, the world as a whole is good. Everything is well-ordered. Man finds happiness in the fulfilment of the tasks assigned to him by God. Nothing can keep him from this service. Epictetus is likely to prove himself a staunch advocate of a monotheistic understanding of God through such an attitude. He professes a paternal God who sent him into the world to show people ways to a happy life.

Flavius Arrianus, Epictetus' most important student, published the Diatribes or Dissertationes and the Encheiridon containing the philosopher's most important thoughts around 130 AD on the basis of stenographic notes. Like his role model Socrates, Epictetus did not publish any writings of his own. Of the original eight books, four Diatribes and the Encheiridion have been preserved by Arrian.