Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher born around 55 AD and lived until approximately 135 AD. He was born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia, which is present-day Pamukkale, Turkey. Despite his status as a slave, he studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus. After his emancipation, he began teaching philosophy.

Epictetus lived in Rome until his banishment by Emperor Domitian. Subsequently, he moved to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he founded a school of philosophy and remained for the rest of his life. Known for his teachings that philosophy is a way of life rather than just a theoretical discipline, he emphasized the importance of accepting external events, which are beyond one's control, with calmness and dispassion.

However, Epictetus believed that individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. His teachings were documented and published by his pupil Arrian in the works, Discourses and Enchiridion.