The Daily Stoic Sharon Lebell on Epictetus and Rescuing Philosophy from the Philosophers
Aug 28, 2021
Sharon Lebell, renowned translator of Epictetus, discusses her efforts to make Stoic philosophy more accessible. She addresses the imbalance in traditional Stoic texts regarding gender roles and advocates for reclaiming philosophy from academic elitism. Sharon emphasizes the relevance of Epictetus’s teachings in navigating contemporary challenges and shares her insights on the importance of inclusivity, particularly through the works of Musonius Rufus. The conversation highlights the transformative power of philosophy in everyday life and the need for diverse narratives.
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Democratizing Philosophy
- Sharon Lebell aims to make philosophy more accessible to a wider audience.
- She wants to "rescue philosophy from the philosophers."
Lebell's Discovery of Epictetus
- Lebell was introduced to Epictetus through an unlikely chain of events while exploring Eastern religions.
- She found his teachings surprisingly relevant and began rewriting them in a contemporary style.
Early Philosophical Influence
- A neighbor, Narayan Champawat, introduced a young Lebell to philosophy.
- This sparked her lifelong interest in philosophical thinking.
