The teachings of Epictetus have been recorded, by his student Arrian, in The Enchiridion (Manual). The Enchiridion is a short philosophical anthology, comprised of quotes recorded from Epictitus.  Some of the thoughts are outdated in our society, such as thoughts and references pertaining to women:

“XL. Women forthwith from the age of fourteen are called by the men mistresses (dominae). Therefore since they see that there is nothing else that they can obtain, but only the power of lying with men, they begin to decorate themselves, and to place all their hopes in this.  It is worth our while then to take care that they may know that they are valued (by men) for nothing else than appearing (being) decent and modest and discreet”.

Obviously, in current society and out culture, women have better prospects for life and career than presented above. However, there is, nonetheless a little gem of wisdom to be gleaned from the above quote (in the last line), specifically, “It is worth our while (as men) then to take care that they may known that they are valued (by men) ...”. Although women’s roles have changed and have been expanded considerably in the two millenia since this was written, men should take care to make it known to the women in their lives (wives, girlfriends, daughters, etc.) that they are valued.

Other quotes may seem quaint and no longer applicable to life today, however, they still strike a chord:

“XXXIII.   As to pleasure with women, abstain as far as you can before marriage: but if you do indulge in it, do it in the way which is conformable to custom. Do not however be disagreeable to those who indulge in these pleasures, or reprove them; and do not often boast that you do not indulge in them yourself”.

Pre-marital sex is still an issue two thousand years later.  The qualifier Epictetus uses then is “... do it in the way which is conformable with custom”. For an ongoing contentious social issue such as sex, this is wise (albeit indecisive) advice just as applicable today as it was in Epictetus’s time.  He does not make an explicit, unambiguous statement, however, he does advise conforming to custom.

The philosophy of Epictutus has been referenced in one, or more, other works found on this web-site and has been made available for background reference for the diligent and thorough student of personal development. 

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