A summary of Epictetus' thought bequeathed by his disciple Arrian, the Manual - that is to say the enkheiridion, the dagger that we have on hand to face any eventuality - is dedicated to ethical effectiveness. It is brief and incisive by necessity. It is not addressed to the wise, who have no need of it, but to those, among the unwise, who are progressing and practicing wisdom. An exercise book for philosophical education, it gives not only the signs of progress, but also the final advice, and the marks which can show that the decisive step towards philosophy has been taken. These signs, these advices and these marks, the recipient of the Manual must take with him, to construct a work which, relying on the books, is outside the books, and cannot be helped by anyone, except by the god who is in him.