Epictetus (Ancient Greek: ; AD c. 55 135) was a Greek sage and Stoic philosopher.

orn a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey), and lived in
Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece for
the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupi
l Arrian in his Discourses.
Philosophy, Epictetus taught, is a way of life and not just a theoretical discip
line. To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus bey
ond our control; we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. H
owever, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examin
e and control through rigorous self-discipline.
Suffering occurs from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecti
ng what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe,
it is our duty to care for all our fellow men. Those who follow these precepts
will achieve happiness and peace of mind.