Brittany, thank you for enlightening us with the story of Arrian’s life story and a reference to read for more. It’s interesting to know that we can not only thank Arrian for the discourses of Epictetus, but also as a role model of how to live that philosophy. This is something we all can use to navigate today’s turbulent times.
Thanks Brittany for great piece on Arrian. One aspect of his life that I find particularly thought provoking is the tension between his Stoicism and his role within the Roman imperial system.
Modern Stoics often admire figures such as Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and Arrian for their wisdom and integrity, yet they all lived within a culture shaped by conquest and empire. Arrian in particular seems to sit at the intersection of these worlds. He was a student of Epictetus who preserved teachings on inner freedom and universal human reason but also a military commander and governor serving Rome and it's values.
That doesn't diminish him in my eyes and if anything it makes him more interesting. The question becomes not whether he lived in a perfect society but whether it is possible to serve an imperfect system while maintaining one's moral integrity.
So a challenge that Arrian also presents to us for our times is perhaps our most pressing problem and is this. How do we live ethically inside systems that are themselves morally imperfect? Its a pity we don't know more about how Arrian walked that line!
Thanks, Tim, great points here. I agree that it’s always a challenge to think about the ancients in the context of their culture, and we can understand without excusing. Some people suggest that we should dispense with the classics altogether because their societies were so flawed, but I prefer to take the good we find within them and try to improve ourselves and our own society.
Love this Brittany- so glad to see this unsung hero getting his due- a truly inspiring figure captured in a great essay- thank you!
Hear, hear! Thanks, Brittany, for reminding us about Arrian the man, and his context - and the local information about Bithynia was very welcome too.
Thanks, Judy!
Brittany, thank you for enlightening us with the story of Arrian’s life story and a reference to read for more. It’s interesting to know that we can not only thank Arrian for the discourses of Epictetus, but also as a role model of how to live that philosophy. This is something we all can use to navigate today’s turbulent times.
Thanks, Paul!
Great post. I to believe Arrian gets short shrift. You have the skills, please write a biography about him. I will be one of the first to read it
Thanks, Larry. I’m not sure I’m the right person for the job, but it would definitely be an interesting project!
Expand your horizons. You got this
Thanks Brittany for great piece on Arrian. One aspect of his life that I find particularly thought provoking is the tension between his Stoicism and his role within the Roman imperial system.
Modern Stoics often admire figures such as Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and Arrian for their wisdom and integrity, yet they all lived within a culture shaped by conquest and empire. Arrian in particular seems to sit at the intersection of these worlds. He was a student of Epictetus who preserved teachings on inner freedom and universal human reason but also a military commander and governor serving Rome and it's values.
That doesn't diminish him in my eyes and if anything it makes him more interesting. The question becomes not whether he lived in a perfect society but whether it is possible to serve an imperfect system while maintaining one's moral integrity.
So a challenge that Arrian also presents to us for our times is perhaps our most pressing problem and is this. How do we live ethically inside systems that are themselves morally imperfect? Its a pity we don't know more about how Arrian walked that line!
Thanks, Tim, great points here. I agree that it’s always a challenge to think about the ancients in the context of their culture, and we can understand without excusing. Some people suggest that we should dispense with the classics altogether because their societies were so flawed, but I prefer to take the good we find within them and try to improve ourselves and our own society.
Thank you for taking the time to write this! I learned several things I've never known before, and got a timely reminder I'll apply today.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Truly fascinating look at Arrian!
Thank you!!
Great piece on Arrian! Enjoy your travels.
Thank you!