Abstract It is the purpose of this essay to inquire into the understanding of techne which Epictetus links with the expression techne peri bion (art of living) used by him to determine both the (subject-) matter with which philosophy deals and the kind of activity to be duly applied to such matter. Based upon this inquiry, the essay upholds the thesis that Epictetus' philosophy bares an individualist spirit close to well-known modern versions of philosophy as an art of living.