These informal lectures were recorded by Epictetus' student Arrian around 108 CE. Originally eight books, only the first four survive. They preserve the conversational, often confrontational teaching style of a philosopher who was born a slave and became one of antiquity's most respected teachers.
Where the Enchiridion offers brief maxims, these lectures develop arguments at length, addressing students directly on topics from freedom and fear to the proper use of impressions.
"It is circumstances (difficulties) which show what men are."
— Discourses, 1.24