Epictetus was a Greek-Stoicist philosopher. He was born a slave in Hierapolis, Phrygia, and lived in Rome until he was banished when he spent the remainder of his life in Nicopolis, in northwest Greece. His teachings have been written in his Discourses and Enchiridion, and published by Arrian, his pupil. Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life rather than a theoretical subject. To Epictetus, everything outside is beyond our control; whatever happens, we should accept it with peace and dispassion. Therefore individuals are responsible for their own actions, which can be investigated and governed through strict self-discipline. Epictetus came in ca. Phrygia, at Hierapolis, possibly 55 A.D. His parents 'name is unknown; in Greek the word epíktetos literally means acquired or obtained; in his laws the Greek philosopher Plato uses the term as a property added to his inherited wealth. He spent his days in Rome as a slave to Nero, a rich freedman and secretary to Epaphroditos. Early in life, Epictetus developed a passion for philosophy, and with the permission of his wealthy family, he studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus, which enabled him to become more respectable as he became more educated. He was helpless anyhow. Origen said his master broke his leg, purposely. From childhood, Simplicius said that he was lame. Epictetus earned his liberty sometime after Nero's death in 68 A.D. and he began teaching philosophy in Rome. Circa A.D. 93. Emperor Domitian expelled all philosophers from the region, and Epictetus went to Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, where he founded a philosophy school. The writings of Epictetus aren't known. His speeches have been transcribed, and compiled, by his pupil Arrian. The main work is The Discourses, from which four books were kept. Arrian also compiled a popular digest, or Handbook, called the Enchiridion. In a preface to the Discourses addressed to Lucius Gellius, Arrian states that whatever I hear him say, for my own future use, I used to compose, word by word, as best I could, trying to retain it as a memorial of his way of thought and the frankness of his speech. Epictetus maintains that knowledge of oneself is the source of all philosophy, that is, the conviction of our ignorance and gullibility should be the primary objective of our study. Logic provides sound logic and confidence of judgement but is secondary to practical needs. For example, the first and most important element of philosophy relates to the implementation of the idea that people are not dishonest. The second is for reasons, why people shouldn't lie, for example. Though lastly the third examines the theories and points them out. This is the logical component that seeks reasons, demonstrates what a rationale is, and that the reason given is a valid one. This last part is important, but only because of the second part, which will again necessitate the first. Epictetus informs us that there are common preconceptions regarding good and bad. Better is good and desirable by itself and evil is hurtful and must be avoided. Different views emerge only through applying these preconceptions to specific circumstances, and then it is important to dispel the darkness of ignorance which blindly upholds the validity of one's own belief. Individuals have various and conflicting views of good and often individuals contradict each other in their estimation of a particular good. Philosophy should set the tone for good and evil alike. This cycle is greatly encouraged because the functions of mind and mind are solely under our influence, while all the external objects which support life are beyond our control. The essence of divinity is goodness; we have all the joy we could bring. The deities, too, have given us the soul and intention, which is not measured by width or depth, but by consciousness and feelings, and through which we may attain excellence, and even be equal with the deities.