Review - Epictetus: The Art of Living : The Classic Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness

Hair and skin color, such are accidents in the objective we can have no control over. We cannot for the most part change much of the Universe we live in, but there is Hope, as we can focus on what we CAN control, our subjective response to the objective Reality that greets us each waking moment. Epictetus lived as a slave and philosopher, steeped in Stoicism and eschewing popularity for living a virtuous, simple life. With true Stoic resolve, Epictetus admonished us to accept fickle Fortune with equanimity and grace. We cannot blame Her for following Her true Nature, which is to give with one hand and take with the other. In this age of economic turmoil and constant reappraisal of values, Epictetus' cool, calm voice comes to the fore concerning many topics that are still relevant in our post-postmodern age. While Fortune may change, Human Nature does not, and this little gem of a book helps map out the territory of the governable human soul with intelligence and wit to boot. Highly recommended!