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Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher.
He was born into slavery at Hierapolis.
His masters became angry at his annoying intellect and constant philosophizing on the immmoralty of slavey so they threw Epictetus to the lions.
The ampitheater was filled with a howling mob screaming to see the annoying slave philosopher torn to pieces. A great lion roared in its cage in anticipation of a good meal.
Soon Epictetis appeared and was led into the arena. He stood alone, weaponless and stripped of clothing, .
The door to the lions cage flung open and the huge, fierce lion sprang out. He gave a big roar to the amusement of the crowd, then headed straight for the victim.
The big cat crouched for a killing leap.
Instead of cowering or trying to flee, Epictitis walked slowly towards the lion.
He stooped over and whispered something in the lion’s ear.
Instantly the lion turned tail between his legs, ran back to his cage and pulled the door shut.
The crowd boo’d in disappointment but Ceasar raised his hand to silence the mob.
I declare this prisoner innocent and free of all charges, on one condition, the you reveal what he said to the lion.”
“It was nothing,” answered the philosopher. “I merely mentioned to the beast that he was expected to say a few words to the crowd.”
Thus was born the first Toastmaster.
