How to Be Free

An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life

By: Epictetus, Anthony Long - introduction, Anthony Long - translator

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

Length: 1 hr and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison. In How to Be Free, A. A. Long - one of the world's leading authorities on Stoicism and a pioneer in its remarkable contemporary revival - provides a superb new edition of Epictetus's celebrated guide to the Stoic philosophy of life (the Encheiridion) along with a selection of related reflections in his Discourses.

Freedom, for Epictetus, is not a human right or a political prerogative but a psychological and ethical achievement, a gift that we alone can bestow on ourselves. We can all be free, but only if we learn to assign paramount value to what we can control (our motivations and reactions), treat what we cannot control with equanimity, and view our circumstances as opportunities to do well and be well, no matter what happens to us through misfortune or the actions of other people.

How to Be Free features splendid new translations and a compelling introduction that sets Epictetus in context and describes the importance of Stoic freedom today. The result is an unmatched introduction to this powerful method of managing emotions and handling life's situations, from the most ordinary to the most demanding.

©2018 Princeton University Press (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Enjoyed

Easy to listen to. can enjoy over and over again. It's Very thought provoking.

Acceptance of the things that you can’t control

I love this narrative of how to accept that one has no control of . Especially about death

Salient Stoicism

Invoked thought and lengthy conversations. Took some modern interpretation but it was never a big reach.

Genuine wisdom

This is an excellent reading of Epictetus' Enchiridion and a few other of his writings. My take on his philosophy is that the only part of our lives that truly belongs to us is our mind, our will and our opinions. Everything else is subject to the whim of outside forces. The only way to be free is to manage our opinions and desires so that we are content and happy no matter the circumstance. Anyone who bases their happiness on outside factors, things out of their control, is really a slave and bound for misery.

Stoicism in a nutshell

A quick guide to stoicism for a quick and relatable guide to enduring life’s ups and downs

Clarity

In general, I am a student of the Stoic and Zen Philosophies. The wording was clear, concise and to the point. It allowed the listener to want to continue listening. It was a worthy of listening to over and over again.

Good stuff

If you’re gen z or iGen you need to give this a listen
Because most of you are a slave to your mind
Free your mind & the rest will follow

Epictetus

What I like the most was… “well obviously he didn’t know all of my other thoughts.” What a great line, for when people speak ill of you.

Return to the basics

This translation of Epictetus’ works is familiar yet new and different. I have previously read the Penguin Classics translation of the Encheiridion and Discourses. Reading “How to be Free” and listening to the audible version of it was like visiting with a favorite teacher or mentor and getting new insight and understanding into subjects we have previously discussed. Epictetus’ messages are simple and direct. They get attention, make me think, provide comfort, and are universal – they apply to all aspects of life.

Listening to the audible version enhances my experience with this book.

very informative and useful information delivered in an excellent manner.

the content was useful and informative. I will be happy to recommend this audio book to others.