Part 1/6:
Epictetus: The Slave Who Became a Renowned Philosopher
Born a slave, Epictetus would go on to become one of the most influential teachers of his time. Though he didn't consider himself a teacher, Epictetus was a philosopher - a Stoic philosopher who sought a very specific kind of knowledge. The knowledge he imparted helped people face and overcome the inevitable difficulties of life.
Through a combination of his own life experiences and the wisdom of his mentor, the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus, Epictetus gained insights that people traveled hundreds of miles to hear. Even the poor, the affluent, the powerful, and the future Emperor Hadrian vied for a chance to sit at Epictetus' feet and learn from him.