Epictetus: The World Happens Around Us, Not To Us

The philosophical doctrine of Stoicism, which dates back as early as the 3^rd century BCE, is believed to have been founded by Zeno of Citium (IEP 1). Stoicism, a system of ethics, uses logic as “theory of method,” and physics as the foundation (IEP 1). Stoicism teaches, amongst other concepts, that one must live life with “perfect indifference (apathea) to everything external, for nothing external could be either good or evil” (IEP 1).

Epictetus, one of the most influential of the Stoic philosophers, was born around 50-55 CE in Hierapolis, Phrygia (Sedon 1). Sold into slavery as a child, he was eventually freed, opened a school in Nicopolis, and died around 135 CE (Sedon 1). Epictetus’ teachings dealt primarily with the ethics side of Stoicism, and much of his thoughts were recorded in two works: the Discourses and the Encheiridion (Sedon 1). Epictetus believed that one should live a life of “rigid austerity and self-denial,” that one should avoid the accumulation of money and other material goods for their own sake, entertainments by “outsiders and … persons ignorant of philosophy,” pleasure for pleasure’s sake, and honor for honor’s sake, amongst other things (“Encheiridion” 100-112). Stating that our lives came down to what was under our control (“conception, choice, desire, aversion, and everything that is our own doing”), and what was not under our control (“our body, our property, reputation, office, and everything that is not our own doing”), his teachings can be summed up simply: The world happens around us, not to us (“Encheiridion” 100).

Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and Socrates’ “Apology:” A Comparison

When reading Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and Socrates’ “Apology,” one cannot help but be struck by the remarkable similarities – and differences – in the words, thoughts, actions and especially, the life experiences of the two speakers. Some similarities and differences are readily apparent, others less so. In many ways, Jesus and Socrates are two sides of the same coin leading to different ends: live life true to yourself and your beliefs.

Fleshing Out the Shakespeare in Shakespeare’s Sonnets

It strikes one as obvious that any artistic creation – whether it be music, painting, sculpture, poetry, prose, or any other creative work – would have within it the characteristics and personality of the creator. Look at the twisted, often tormented paintings of Picasso or listen to the complex, near-perfect mathematical harmonies of Beethoven and you will find yourself making assumptions about their intellect, personality, torments and loves. More so than painting and music, the creations of a writer contain details about the author: who they are, what they think, how they feel, what they believe, and more.

The Sermon on the Mount

In “The Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus speaks on several old laws, and it quickly becomes apparent that, in his opinion, they do not go far enough. He also states that he is not intending to destroy the laws, but to “fulfill” them (Jesus 36), perhaps even to re-define and re-codify the laws.

For example, the law “Thou shalt not kill,” (36) states that those who kill “shall be in danger of the judgment” (37). Jesus’s response to this is that not only those who kill are in danger of judgment, but those who curse their brother are also in danger of judgment.

Fantasia in C Minor for Piano, Orchestra, Solo Sextet and Chorus, Op. 80 “Choral Fantasy” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Evaluation of an Event: Inaugural Concert of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic on Saturday, October 18, 2003

1. Relate the work to its historical period.

“Choral Fantasy” by Ludwig van Beethoven was first performed in December of 1808. According to MP3.com, Beethoven “staged an Akademie (that is, a public concert for his own profit),” and that he had not fully finished the composition before they were to perform it. Beethoven improvised much of the piano part “on the spot that night” (1).