Review
I became interested in Rufus after learning that he was Epictetus’ teachers. Rufus’ style is more dogmatic and direct than his student, Epictetus, but still makes for a good read. Some of his principles are rigid. His delivery is slightly less impactful than the other subsequent stoics, but still a good read.
“Of the things that exist, Zeus has put some in our control and some not in our control. In our control is the most beautiful and important thing, the thing because of which even the god himself is happy—namely, the proper use of our impressions.” - Musonius Rufus
My favorite quote from the book:
“If you accomplish something good with hard work, the labor passes quickly, but the good endures; if you do something shameful in pursuit of pleasure, the pleasure passes quickly, but the shame endures.”
I have organized the book below in chapter order (skipping out #2 as I had no highlights from it).
Disclaimer, I do not endorse the views in this book (or any other book in this library), I just read to understand perspectives.
Key Highlights
1. By Musonius, from the lecture showing that one does not need to use many arguments to prove one point 3. By Musonius, from the lecture showing that women also should study philosophy 4. By Musonius, from the lecture on whether daughters should get the same education as sons 5. From Lucius’ notes on Musonius’ lectures: Is practice or theory more important? 6. By Musonius from the lecture on practicing philosophy 7. By Musonius, from the lecture on the subject that pain must be regarded as having little importance 8. By Musonius, from the lecture showing that kings also should study philosophy 9. By Musonius, from the lecture on why exile is not an evil thing 10. By Musonius, from the lecture on whether a philosopher will file a suit against someone for assault 11. By Musonius, from the lecture, “What is the suitable occupation for a philosopher?” 12. By Musonius, from the lecture about sexual matters 13. By Musonius, from the lecture, “What is the chief end of marriage?” 14. By Musonius, from the lecture about whether marriage gets in the way of studying philosophy 15. By Musonius, from the lecture on whether all children who are born must be raised 16. By Musonius, from the lecture on whether parents must be obeyed in all things 17. By Musonius, from the lecture about what is the best thing to have on hand during old age 18. By Musonius, from the lecture about food 19. By Musonius, from the lecture about protection from the elements 20. By Musonius, from the lecture about furnishing a house 21. By Musonius, from the lecture about cutting hair Other Sayings of Musonius 
