FD recently read a new-ish translation of Epictetus’ The Art of Living. This version by Sharon LeBell, is called “an interpretation” rather than a translation. LeBell has re-imagined Epictetus’ teachings for a modern audience, but even more faithful translations retain the flavor of this work, which, while it is “philosophy” is not at all like much of current philosophy.
Epictetus is not primarily concerned with how we know what we know, or whether our language can express our thoughts, or if we even have thoughts. Instead, he provides ideas for living a good life, a topic few professional philosophers seem to care about these days.
Epictetus is a stoic, and his ideas are somewhat dry — even LeBell can’t completely sex them up, and Alain de Botton ignored him in his amusing collection The Consolations of Philosophy (though he does discuss other stoics) but FD likes him, particularly for his plain speech. When times are hard, Epictetus provides some good ideas for how to face difficulties, and he is also supportive in acknowledging that it isn’t easy.