Abstract

This article introduces Stoicism for a general readership by arguing that ancient Stoic thought, especially the philosophy of Epictetus, had found renewed cultural visibility at the turn of the twenty-first century through Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. The article explains Epictetus’ life as a former slave, his teaching career at Nicopolis, and his influence on Marcus Aurelius. It presents Stoicism as a practical philosophy of living in accordance with nature, cultivating rational judgment, and distinguishing what is up to us from what lies beyond our control. On this view, happiness depends not on wealth, status, bodily condition, reputation, or external success, but on virtue, moral integrity, disciplined judgment, and peace of mind. The article connects this Stoic outlook to Admiral James Stockdale’s use of Epictetus during captivity in Vietnam, then examines Stoic themes in Wolfe’s novel, especially Conrad Hensley’s discovery of Epictetus and Charlie Croker’s need to learn that wealth and status are not the measure of a human being. It also interprets Gladiator as dramatizing Stoic virtues through Maximus, whose courage, honor, endurance, and resistance to tyranny make him the cinematic heir of Marcus Aurelius. The article concludes by asking whether contemporary America, despite its fascination with power, possessions, fame, and money, may be ready for Stoicism’s renewed emphasis on virtue and justice. A concluding sidebar situates the article within Stephens’s own scholarly work on Epictetus and Stoic ethics.