At the center of the "Handbook" is the human being, and the fundamental question is how one can achieve lasting happiness and undisturbed inner peace.

According to Epictetus, some things are within our control, while others are not; what we cannot change is better to endure. An ideal life would be as independent as possible from the external world: to endure and to refrain, this is the message of the work.

Unequivocally and sincerely, carefully avoiding theoretical abstractions and incomprehensible terminology, Epictetus addresses his fellow human beings directly and seeks to influence their mindset. He aims to shape moral personalities who will continually strive for the good to overcome the evil within them.