This is a Swedish translation of the Greek original. In English the title would read Handbook to the art of life more commonly known as Enchiridion of Epictetus. It's technically not written by Epictertus either but is a compilation of his thoughts written by his student.
Most importantly it's Roman/greek philosophy from around 100 A.D. Epictertus was for a time a slave belonging to Emperor Neros secretery. Meaning he and an interesting combination of high influence and low status. He was part of the stoic movement which among other things focused on self control and duty.
My thoughts
The book it short only 70 pages and is made up of 53 texts each raging from a singe sentence to two pages. So it's a very fast read even if you stop to consider it.
A lot of the texts express what is today called the circle of control. Basically that you should recognize that there are things in your life that you can control and things you can't. In Epictertus the things you can control are your own thoughts and actions. Everything else should just be accepted for what it is. He does take it a bit too far though when he talks about how one must accept the loss of things and family. He isn't wrong everyone you know will die eventually but the way it's phrased is a bit cold hearted especially since he doesn't seem to think that the loss should upset you. In general nothing should upset you.
This is the parts where you are reminded of him being a slave and so having less control of his life than most.
Apart from self control another theme is doing ones duty and to consider ones reputation. Though it does hold people to an impossible standard to the point that I think would sap any joy from life. I'm thinking of text nr 33 which says to avoid invitations to parties and to talk as little as possible. That just unnecessary harsh.
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