# Fragments explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

This chapter introduces a collection of fragments attributed to Epictetus, compiled from the works of Stobaeus, Antonius Monachus, and Maximus the monk. It discusses the uncertain origins and dates of these compilers, notes the obscurity of some fragments, and acknowledges that some are likely not authentic works of Epictetus.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The philosopher to whom the fragments are attributed, though their authenticity is questioned.

### Simplicius

Mentioned in the editor's notes (Schweighaeuser) regarding the fragments.

## Key lines

> Nothing is known of Stobaeus nor of his time, except the fact that he has preserved some extracts of an ethical kind from the New Platonist Hierocles, who lived about the middle of the fifth century AD ; and it is therefore concluded that Stobaeus lived after Hierocles.

Stobaeus's date is inferred only from his inclusion of works by the 5th-century philosopher Hierocles.

_Highlights the indirect and uncertain method of dating the source of the fragments._

> Some of the Fragments contained in the edition of Schweighaeuser are certainly not from Epictetus.

The collection includes material that is not authentically by Epictetus.

_Acknowledges the questionable authenticity of parts of the fragment collection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/fragments
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters