Rating: 
Summary: Keep this on your bedstand
Review: Some people rely on medication (alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping pills), on mindless television programs, mystery novels, or meditation to escape the traumas of daily living. Anything that is outside our control can be quashed, submerged or forgotten if only we can get to sleep. But here is a tiny book that will change all that for you. Sharon Lebell's "updated" version of the philosophy of Epictetus offers that preferred closure of night with a reminder of our individual worthiness, of what we can and cannot control, how to encounter and embrace living with the feeling of the nuturing support of a mother, father, lover, friend, God, Buddha, etc. At times clumsy in verbiage, at equal times eloquent in simplicity of statement, Lebell allows us to re-enter the journey of life enriched with wisdom from a man of simple secrets. Guaranteed to help you turn out the light ......and to wake up refreshed in the morning. Just keep this little tome at bedside for daily/nightly doses.
Rating:
Summary: It introduced me to Epictetus
Review: The first review I posted of this didn't make it, so I'll try again. If you want to read Epictetus, please order a copy of his Discourses or Enchiridion. This is an "updated" version of him with adjustments made whereever and you're not the wiser so have fun deciding where Epictetus leaves off and Sharon picks up. Like selling postcards of the Last Supper with rouge painted on the cheeks.
Rating: 
Summary: Channeling Epictetus
Review: The first review I posted of this didn't make it, so I'll try again. If you want to read Epictetus, please order a copy of his Discourses or Enchiridion. This is an "updated" version of him with adjustments made whereever and you're not the wiser so have fun deciding where Epictetus leaves off and Sharon picks up. Like selling postcards of the Last Supper with rouge painted on the cheeks.
Rating: 
Summary: Book with profound Message
Review: The great Stoic philosopher's words are captred brilliantly in "The Art of Living". I shared the sentiment with other readers in wondering why more people have not either reviewed this book or at least read it. Except maybe for Confucius, no other philosopher offers the common sense and practical advice that Epictetus does. An excerpt from his writings I feel says it best: "The florishing life is not acheived by techniques. You cannot trick yourself into a life well lived. Nor it is achieved by following five easy steps or some charismatic figure's dogma" If this is the type of common sense realism you want instead of the moral hypocrisy called the Bible( with its exemplar Jesus Christ, then this is the book for you. Highly recomend it.
Rating:
Summary: useful and encouraging
Review: The teachings contained in Art of Living by Epictetus, as interpreted in contemporary language by Sharon Lebell, are common sense but invaluable. I found myself nodding in agreement on almost every point made throughout this "manual." The basic theme of Epictetus' thought is self-control - from which one will not only achieve "moral progress", but happiness and tranquility as well. But the advice I found most telling was Epictetus' thoughts on "authentic happiness": "Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions. Vigilantly practice indifference to external conditions. Your happiness can only be found within." It is unfortunate how many of us forget what true happiness entails. The Art of Living is useful because gives simplicity and clarity to a subject many of us find needlessly daunting.
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Summary: Getting it right. [Epictetus DID address casual sex!]
Review: This book is inspiring, but perhaps confusing from a historical standpoint, given that Lebell doesn't tell us when she's embellishing on the original. Some reviewers have been speculating on what Epictetus did and did not write about. Example: some have complained that he couldn't possibly have addressed "casual sex". A reviewer named "Strict Evaluation" poo-poos Lebell's use of Epictetus's name and skeptically asks "what's the Greek for 'casual sex'?" -- implying that Lebell's book has little relation to Epictetus. I can assure you that that reviewer is uninformed and overdramatic. Case in point: Lebell writes: "Abstain from casual sex and particularly avoid sexual intercourse before you get married." ... "If, however, you know someone who has had casual sex, don't self-righteously try to win them over to your own views." Arrian (Epictetus's sole recorder) writes in the Enchiridion: "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." I'd say that Lebell has done a good job of capturing the spirit of what Arrian reported of Epictetus teachings (in this case). She often adds her own extrapolations and interpretations based on (1) her own understanding of the philosophy, and (2) a desire to make the reading more accessible and compelling to her audience. I agree that it would be awfully nice to have references to the original texts for comparison -- or perhaps an original+commentary format -- but before you indict her for complete fabrication, please, at least take a look at the original!
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Summary: My gift to graduates
Review: This book makes a wonderful gift for a new graduate. How many high schools teach philosophy these days? The sensible advice and direction that this modern interpretation provides can be an excellent introduction to philosophy and perhaps widen the scope of thought for young people beyond what 'popular entertainment' offers. I've given this book for several years now and although a graduate may not initially appreciate the ideas presented, eventually it gets picked up and enjoyed.
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Summary: Simple yet powerful words that will change your life
Review: This book was originially given to me as a gift and I instantly found it satisfying and uplifting. I can read a page and ponder the strength of the words. Several pages have changed my life. I never suppress a generous impulse now! Epictetus had great wisdom in this area. I frequent the pages on faithfullness. This book has become a regular part of my sharing with my patients. I give them this book to enrich their lives and improve the spiritual journey. Enjoy the book and the wisdom Dr. Warren Bruhl Glencoe, IL Glencoe Pediatric Chiropractor
Rating: 
Summary: A Loose Translation of Epictetus
Review: This is a very loose translation of Epictetus. The use of phrases such as "strike it rich" do not so much give a contemporary feel as jar the reader. The writing itself is graceless and leaves the impression of a light weight attempt to to meet a feel-good agenda rather than an honest translation. If this was Epictetus's legacy he would have been forgotten 2000 years ago.
Rating:
Summary: My gift to graduates
Review: This is not a direct translation of any of Epictetus's writings. This is a book of wise analects based on the reflections and teachings of Epictetus. I was impressed with the applicability of this book to today's modern world. Epictetus is one of the greatest philosopher's in the sense that you can actually understand and apply most of what he teaches.
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