Unlike the vast majority of versions of The Golden Sayings which are public domain reprints over a century old, Stanhope’s edition brings this 2,000 year old trove of aphorisms up-to-date in plain, contemporary English. With its vibrant translation, explanatory notes drawing from leading Epictetus scholars, cryptic illustrations, and introductory material, it’s by far the best and most helpful edition of The Golden Sayings to date. Epictetus was born in the first century and was one of the three great Roman Stoics representative of the ethical-philosophical apex of ancient Roman civilization and characteristic of philosophy during the New Testament period. His extremely practical wisdom is one of the key influences on cognitive-behavioral therapy, was popular on ancient battlefields, with medieval monks, and remains a favorite among modern modern military academies. It teaches us how to find indestructible tranquility amidst any misfortune. - from Amzon