Final answer:
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, composed the Enchiridion as a guide for Roman soldiers. It contained Stoic principles aimed at developing self-discipline and ethical behavior, aligning with Roman ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that the thoughts of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, were encapsulated in a handbook known as the Enchiridion, which translates to "The Manual" or "Handbook." This concise text was indeed used by Roman soldiers as a source of Stoic philosophical guidance. The Enchiridion emphasizes the distinction between what is within our control and what is not, urging a focus on self-discipline, personal ethics, and mental fortitude over external circumstances. Such principles would have resonated with Roman soldiers who were expected to display similar values of discipline and resilience. Stoicism, as a philosophy, was highly esteemed among Roman elite, partly because it complemented Roman virtues such as strength, political service, and self-sacrifice. The Stoic focus on rational self-control and inner freedom aligned with the Roman ethos, as narrated through the lives of notable Roman Stoics like the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who epitomized these ideals. The Enchiridion, as a distillation of Stoic wisdom, would have served as a practical guide, offering Roman soldiers and others a way of coping with the challenges of life and maintaining virtue in the face of adversity.