Around 50 AD in modern-day Turkey, a young man was born into slavery as it was custom for children to be slaves if their parents were as well.

As a slave, the young boy belonged to a wealthy gentleman who served as an assistant to the Emperor at the time.

Day in and day out, the boy was forced to abide by his every command and even suffered physical abuse when he did wrong.

At one point, his master even broke the boys leg and made him walk with a limp for the rest of his life all because he didn’t do what he asked fast enough.

Despite the hardships, the boy had a thirst for knowledge and began studying philosophy as it taught him how to detach himself from pain and accept his life for what it is.

Because for all he knew, being a slave for the rest of his life was destined for him.

But as he grew older, his master began to recognize his intelligence and decided it was a waste to have someone so passionate to work as a slave. And so, he set him free.

Leaving his entire life behind, he decided to continue his studies and focus on the philosophy of Stoicism.

He would spend his days preaching outside to anyone who would listen and eventually gathered enough followers to create his own school in Greece.

As his school grew, so did his reputation, and among one of his admirers was the Emperor Hadrian who came to appreciate his guidance and wisdom.

The Emperor would call for his presence on numerous occasions and helped his school become one of the most recognized in the empire.

And at one point, the man’s teachings were read even more than Socrates.

He would go on to devote his life to philosophy and live a simple life as he had no interest in wealth or luxury because he believed it only led to distraction.

And if you haven’t guessed already, this man was Epictetus, one of the most renowned philosophers who ever lived.

I love this story because it exemplifies the idea that no matter where you start, you have the ability to harness greatness. Here was a man who went from a slave to someone who stood in front of the emperor and provided advice to him and his kingdom.

So don’t think the beginning of your story is what determines your fate. Anyone can start right now and make a brand new ending.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m now re-reading Epictetus’ book titled Discourses, a collection of lecture notes taken by his student Arrian.

Quote Of The Week - “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde