Once Said a Stoic: Epictetus, Letterpress Coptic-bound book

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Fabric, Paper

This miniature book of quotations predates and anticipates the phrase: keep calm and carry on.

Epictetus was lame, a slave, and exiled once he was freed. Through these exceedingly difficult circumstances, Stoic philosopher Epictetus maintained a calm demeanor and positive attitude. He spoke of taking control of one's own actions. Although he never wrote, his student Arrian posthumously compiled Epictetus' teachings in what is known as Discourses and a summary called The Enchiridion. Each teaching was given a Roman numeral.

Six quotations from this first century philosopher and teacher are letterpress printed in black with Caslon 471 Oldstyle type on Lenox paper and wood type Roman numerals printed in silver. Short paragraph biography in the back. Combination tabbed accordion-fold miniature book with exposed Coptic binding. Maroon bookcloth over museum boards. Back page is also a flap that wraps around the front and tucks into the title strip to close the book securely.

Archival materials. 2.5"w x 3"h x .5"d. Limited edition of 41, signed and numbered. Includes original 2003 price.

QUOTES:
-Is there smoke in the room? If it be slight, I remain; if grievous, I quit it. For you must remember this and hold it fast, that the door stands open.

-If you are told that such a one speaks ill of you, make no defense against what was said, but answer, He surely knew not my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these only!

-Even as the sun does not wait for prayers and incantations to rise, but shines forth and is welcomed by all: So you also wait not for the clapping of hands and shouts and praise to do your duty; nay, do good of your own accord and you will be loved like the sun.

-And are all profited by what they hear? So it seems there is an art of hearing as well as of speaking... To make a statue needs skill: to view a statue needs skill also.

-Not death or pain is to be feared, but the fear of death or pain.

-...Wherever a man is against his will, that to him is a prison. Thus Socrates was not in prison, since he was there with his own consent.

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Price:$65.00

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Listed on Jul 2, 2026