Something different for this morning’s newsletter, I’m borrowing from some of my writings on Epicurus. He was said to have been born in Samos, Greece, around 341 BC into a noble family. He was considered Athenian, as Athens had pockets of land in that area. At the age of approximately 18, he moved to Athens, where he immersed himself in the philosophy world, learning under various schools and teachers.
In approximately 306 BC and set up his own school, which drew from his vast array of teachers, including Democritean philosophers, physicists, and astronomers, where he was largely influenced by the works of Aristotle. This school came to be known as The Garden, due to the meetings taking place in his private residence in Athens, and from this, we have one of the three dominant Hellenistic philosophies, Epicureanism.
The main belief that centres around Epicureanism is that pleasure is the end goal (Greek term for this is telos), but by pleasure it is generally referred to the lack of pain. With regards to pleasure, that is, the freedom of the body from pain and then of the soul from disturbance, or lack of disturbance within.
To the Epicureans and many others, peace of mind and good living is achieved with the help of Philosophy:
An example of these are:
Serenity of your spirit
A healthy body
Intellectual stimulation
Within the Epicurean school, most sources claim it taught moderate abstinence and general self-control, plus independence of thought. Pleasures which endure throughout our lives are sought out, and not fleeting moments. Epicurus is said to have praised a life that would escape other people’s line of sight.
It is important to note that Epicurean hedonism is often associated with the modern terminology for excess and pure pleasures. However, it is generally agreed that Epicureanism promotes the need for a calm and tranquil life with pain being evil and pleasure good. It is noted that Epicureanism promotes avoiding pleasures which are extreme: as they often have painful consequences.
If you want dive further into Epicurus’s life - here’s a great video resource:
Quote For The Weekend Ahead
Luxurious food and drinks in no way protect you from harm. Wealth beyond what is natural, is no more use than an overflowing container. Real value is not generated by theatres, and baths, perfumes or ointments, but by philosophy.
— Attributed to Epicurus, recorded by Diogenes of Oenoanda