The nuances of language can get lost in translation. Never is this truer than in the area of philosophy. As philosophy professor and scholar Christopher Largent discovered during the numerous courses he has taught on the subject, ancient philosophy can start sounding like a game of telephone. Some of the most famous lectures of the ancient world have been lost to time. All that remains are notes from admiring listeners.
One such listener was Arrian, a follower of the legendary Epictetus. Epictetus's work was so incendiary it got him kicked out of Rome. The philosopher spoke mostly about the art of living well. It is his most famous speech, the subject of Arrian's Enchiridion, that Largent is finally bringing to life.
Largent brings Epictetus to a new audience by reconstructing this famous lecture. Through Largent, Epictetus speaks from beyond the grave and lectures listeners on the following:
- The practical life-philosophy rule
- The impact of our judgments and expectations
- The human ability to respond to phenomena
- Numerous insights into behavior
Epictetus rose from his humble beginnings as a slave to become a famous orator. His work and his life still offer inspiration and meaning two thousand years later.
About the Author: Christopher Largent spent forty years teaching university-level philosophy and comparative religion. He has also taught classes on publishing, writing, Shakespeare, poetry, Arthurian legend, English grammar, and the history of literature.
Largent is the author of a historical novel, Tapestry. He is the coauthor of The Soul of Economies, The Paradigm Conspiracy: Why Our Social Systems Violate Human Potential and How We Can Change Them, and Love, Soul and Freedom: Dancing with Rumi on the Mystic Path. Largent also contributed to Imagine and From the Ashes: A Spiritual Response to the Attack on America.
Largent's work has been praised by the Dalai Lama, among other famous scholars and spiritual leaders. He is currently working on another historical novel set after the death of Plato.
