Epictetus was. Greek stoic Philisopher, he was born as a slave at Hierapolis , Phrygia ( nowadays , Pamukkale - Turkey ) and lived in Rome until his banishment, his teaching were Witten down and published by his pupil Arian. Epictetus taught that philosophy is way of life and not just a theoretical discipline, to him, all external events are beyond our control. However , individuals are responsible for their own act's which they can examine and control through rigorous self discipline. "'Tis true I know what evil I shall do, But passion overpowers the better council.'" [ Medea ]