Biography:

1. Lived circa 55-135 AD. Greek stoic. Lived in Rome, initially as a slave.

Quotes:

"Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of one's desires, but by the removal of desire."

- Epictetus

Insights:

1. Life is suffering, suffering is the result of desires, there is a way to stop suffering, the way to stop suffering is the Eightfold Path - correct views, intention, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
2. Buddhists do not believe in any god, but in the Four Noble Truths.
3. Through ethical conduct and discipline, we can achieve nirvana - being free of suffering.

Insights:

1. Stoicism, the indifference to hardship or pain, was founded and taught by Zeno of Citium (335-263BCE) in Athens.
2. Stoicism derives its name from the 'Stoa Poikile' or painted porch where Zeno taught.
3. Zeno believed that virtue, based on reason involves living in harmony with fate, and that we should free ourselves from passion and emotion.