Epictetus (55 – 135)

Man is free to manage his existence by accepting what is divinely predetermined and making appropriate choices when it comes to his own proceedings. Epictetus states that personal fulfillment depends largely on the individual character. The character can become a decisive factor in being in charge of one’s life through assiduous preparation as to how to control one’s perceptions, impulses to act (or not to act) and irrational drives.

Modern Reflection  

Epictetus’s distinction between what is in our control and what is not has become a cornerstone of modern psychology, especially cognitive‑behavioral therapy. His view of freedom as rational self‑governance resonates strongly in an age of anxiety, distraction, and external pressure. At the same time, his strict acceptance of fate can feel challenging to modern readers who value autonomy and social change. Yet his core insight remains powerful: freedom begins with attention to our own judgments and the discipline to act on them.