The Epictetus Club
The Epictetus Club by Jeff Traylor, published by Papillon Press in August 2004, is a novel that explores the lives of inmates in an Ohio prison. This 172-page book is inspired by real events and real people, focusing on a group of prisoners who gather weekly to delve into the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Through their discussions, the men aim to transform their experiences and thoughts, guided by Zeno, a lifer and former professional boxer who uses boxing metaphors to illustrate the importance of mental resilience.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of personal growth and self-reflection within the confines of prison life. Zeno introduces the concept of the ABCs of Inner Boxing, teaching the inmates how to confront and manage their thoughts as they navigate their circumstances. The story emphasizes the significance of overcoming mental barriers, with the prison walls serving as a metaphor for the limitations imposed by one’s own mindset. This edition presents a unique perspective on crime and redemption, inviting readers to consider the power of philosophy in challenging environments.
Official synopsis Publisher
This novel is inspired by real events and real people. It is set in the Ohio Pen (“the walls”), though some of the events actually took place at the Marion Correctional Institution, and follows a group of inmates who meet weekly to study the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus, a former slave during the Roman Empire. Epictetus used the experience to make himself wiser and stronger instead of bitter and angry. The men of the club are led by a lifer named Zeno, a former professional boxer who compares thinking skills to boxing skills, pointing out that our opponent is always our own thoughts and attitudes. He teaches the men the ABCs of Inner Boxing, where one identifies the attacking thought, blocks it, and counterpunches it. Zeno also guides the men through the Ten Rounds to Freedom. The walls of the pen are literal for the inmates, but also represent our own limited thinking and comfort zones.
FAQ
What is “The Epictetus Club” about?
Who is the author of “The Epictetus Club”?
When was “The Epictetus Club” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Epictetus Club”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
