Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD), of Hierapolis (Phrygia), was a Stoic philosopher. In his Manual on the Art of Living, he gives explicit advice on how to live.

The Manual is a collection of principles that together provide a philosophy for everyday life. The basis of philosophy is self-knowledge. The integrity, the self-management, and the personal freedom are the main points that Epictetus focuses on.

Epictetus was born into slavery, but he remained free; he lived in poverty, but he remained happy. By putting into practice all his wise instructions, man can conquer virtue and become happy.