How to Be Free is a trove of wisdom based on the teachings of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher born enslaved who preached mental freedom through surrendering to what we can't control.

Most of us live within the prison of our own minds. Anxieties, fears, and uncertainties clutter our brains and steer us away from mental freedom.

Though there is a natural desire to shun what is unknown and frightening, we must confront our inner dialogues and neuroses, and maintain control of the only thing we have power over – ourselves.

Epictetus was born into a state of enslavement in Rome around 50 AD in what is present-day Turkey. He was freed upon the death of Nero in 68 AD.

Epictetus is a significant Stoic philosopher and has been an influential voice in Western thought for almost two millennia.

In How to Be Free, Epictetus's philosophy is presented and introduced by Anthony Long, a modern Stoic and Professor of Philosophy at UC Berkeley.

In all of his works, Epictetus encourages others to free their minds from internal suffering by letting go of the desire for control outside of the self.