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Epictetus

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Philosopher

The Resume

    (circa 55-circa 135)
    Wrote nothing himself, but his students wrote 'The Handbook,' and 'The Discourses' to explain his philosophy

Why he might be annoying:

    He was a stoic.
    He believed that everything was predetermined, and that man harms himself when he tries to fight his fate.
    As a boy, his master tortured him by twisting his leg. Despite the overwhelming pain, Epictetus maintained his composure and told his master that he was about to break his leg. After the master did break his leg, Epictetus' only response was 'There, did I not tell you that it would break?'
    Although he never married or had children, he ordered his students to do so.
    After he ordered one of his students to have children, the student responded 'Can I marry your daughter?'
    His name means 'acquired.'
    He owned an iron lantern that was stolen, so he got rid of all of his other possessions that would be attractive to thieves, leaving him only with a sleeping mat and a dirt lamp.
    He was a major part of Tom Wolfe's novel 'A Man in Full.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was born into slavery and eventually earned his freedom.
    His master was so impressed by his intelligence that he sent him to study under one of the greatest tutors of his day.
    During his life, he was one of the most well respected philosophers.
    Emperor Domitian exiled him along with all other philosophers from in 89 CE.

Credit: Nihilism Cynicism Sarcasm Orgasm


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 12 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 17 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 26 Votes: 46.15% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 44 Votes: 77.27% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 75 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 124 Votes: 44.35% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 176 Votes: 48.86% Annoying
    In 2004, Out of 254 Votes: 48.03% Annoying
    In 2003, Out of 517 Votes: 43.91% Annoying
    In 2002, Out of 196 Votes: 57.65% Annoying