Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One What can a man born into slavery teach us about inner freedom? In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the life and legacy of Epictetus—the Stoic philosopher who had no control over his body, his birthplace, or his master… but refused to surrender his mind. From radical acceptance to the discipline of emotional clarity, this episode distils Epictetus’ most powerful ideas and shows how they apply to the noise, stress, and uncertainty of modern life. Whether you’re facing frustration, doubt, or just a crowded day, this quiet portrait reminds us: You can’t always change the world, but you can always change your response to it. Part of our Stoic Portraits bonus series—bite-sized wisdom from ancient lives that still echo today.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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