Epictetus

My favourite philosopher. Born a slave, he was a master of himself, what else could be more miraculous. A man to whom I would have thought it a privilege of being a slave to.  Simplicity and tranquility were his trademarks. One is bound to think of how many will shirk discomfort and displeasure and despise life when they are put to suffering even for a good cause. Epictetus was a man, a realized soul, a person who lead by example. A man of Knowledge, contentment and freedom which was his own master before others. May the Lord Narayana guide me to live like an Epictetus and be as great as him. Who can be greater!

His works include 'The Discourses' also called Diatribes, these were collected and preserved by the historian Arrian. Of the eight compiled by him only four volumes remain.

Epictetus disliked the extremes (of sadness and merriment). He himself was a very patient man. When his master (Epictetus was a slave that time) twisted his leg to harm Epictetus, Epictetus said calmly that his leg would break if the master continued twisting it and his leg did break. Epictetus said, "I told you it would break, didn't I".

Epictetus's only possessions were a hut, a cot and a lamp (earthern one, his iron lamp was stolen) when he died. He never once locked the door of his home. He lived true to his word "Freedom is not obtained by a fulfillment of what we desire but by relinquishing our desire".

Confucius

Another great Chinese philosopher fondly called The Master by his disciples. A wise man who preached simple living, good family values and virtue. His words are akin to ancient Indian wisdom.

Confucius or Master K'ung was born in 551 B. C. At the age of 24 he lost his mother and went into three years of solitude due to grief. At the age of thirty he became known as a great teacher, and disciples flocked to him. But he was yet occupied in public duties, and rose through successive stages to the office of Chief Judge in his own country of Lu. His tenure of office is said to have put an end to crime, and he became the "idol of the people" in his district.The jealousy of the feudal lords was roused by his fame as a moral teacher and blameless judge. Confucius was driven from his home and he wandered about with a few disciples touring many places in China until he was sixty nine. When he returned to Lu, after accomplishing a work which has borne fruit, such as it is, to the present day Confucius had been instrumental in consolidating the empire, and strngthening the power of the monarch, who (the monarch) as he every year burns incense in the red-walled temple at Pekin, utters sincerely the invocation, "Great art thou, O Perfect Sage! Thy virtue is full, thy doctrine complete. Among mortal men there has not been thine equal. All kings honor thee. Thy statutes and laws have come gloriously down. Thou art the pattern in this imperial school. Reverently have the sacrificial vessels been set out. Full of awe we sound our drums and bells"

Confucius's philosophy could be understood in this following line, "How can we know about spirits when we don't know about man." Confucius seem to emphasise on personal effort and morality before going after spiritual ideals (true for me!).

Vivekananda

A great Indian saint. An immaculate personality whose words are like nectar for a spiritual aspirant. A lover of humanity and a lion of heart. A person who synthesised the wisdom of the Orient and the material glory of the West, a seemingly impossible undertaking. A simple living giant of an Indian. A son whom Mother India would ever be proud.

Emerson

One of my favourite philosophers. A powerful thinker and great poet. He was much influenced by Hindu thought. He is considered the greatest American poet. Emerson believed in living in accordance with Nature. He was a preacher of strength of mind and spirit.

will continue with a more detailed account of philosophers and types of philosophy when I am less burdened with work...