Later than the original, but no less realized; many classical philosophers call this man overly complicated or even obfuscated. He is neither. Rather, the most literal of the philosophers (which, seemingly, makes him unpopular, given that all philosophy is competitive).
The tenets presented in this video are unsurprisingly close to the presentation of the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism:
It should be no surprise to hear that I was deeply connected to and inspired by this philosopher in my DIY education. Later, of course, Buddhism and the philosophy as it was originally constituted and taught.
This, to me, is a beautiful example of what is today called “oneism” – the destination is the same regardless which path you find best suited to you as you attempt to reach it.
Despite the rigorous, nearly vicious efforts of traditional, organized, “twoism” religions, this branch on the world belief tree is far from new, or even unique… merely repackaged. In an elegant rebuke, the initial tenets of Epictetus echo the tenets of Buddhism, reflecting the inner truth of interdependence that neuroscience, epigenetics, and academic and medical research are only beginning to approach.
The true age of wonder is nearly upon us. I hope I get to see it arrive.
I bow to the guru that was, Epictetus.