Who do you want to be?

An original book that introduces us to the "secrets" of Epictetus' school and teaching. Begin your journey of self-knowledge by following the method of the wise teacher!

In the early 2nd century AD, people of all ages flocked to Nicopolis in Epirus to hear Stoic philosophy from a freed slave Stoic philosopher, Epictetus of Hierapolis. What did this philosopher teach, and why did his students leave their homeland, friends, and relatives to stay with him and study at his school?
He himself promised every student who managed to practice the Stoic art of life that it would be possible to become:

• virtuous, so as to experience true freedom,
• master of himself, so as not to act impulsively,
• Euro-minded, so that he can enjoy life, no matter what difficulties it brings him,
• resilient, so as to keep his soul invulnerable to the arrows of malice, fear and guilt,
• blissful, so that he feels deep within himself peace and inner joy, constantly and unhindered.

Born in a turbulent time like ours, Stoic philosophy provides us with valuable tools to live with resilience and bliss. The answers of the teacher Epictetus to the questions of his students still sound just as encouraging today:

"When neither the so-called kings nor the friends of kings live as they wish, who is ultimately free?" "Seek and you will find. Because nature helps you find the truth. But if you yourself cannot take the next step by walking only with this help, listen to those who have already sought it." (D.4.1.51)

“How, then, can a man maintain his strength and calm, and at the same time take care of material things without haste and without carelessness?” “If he imitates those who play dice. The pebbles, when we play Pessoa, are indifferent, the dice are indifferent; how can I know what will fall? To manage the dice with care and art, that is my business. So, in your life…” (D.2.5.2-4)

In the book, Maximus, an intelligent young man of Roman origin, enrolls in the school of Epictetus to "set his feet" and claim a better life. Will he succeed? Will he drag the reader of the book along with him in this endeavor?