Epicurus

Epicurus was an Athenian philosopher who lived from 341 to 270 BCE, establishing his philosophical school, "The Garden," in Athens around 307 BCE. He developed a comprehensive system of thought encompassing physics, ethics, and epistemology, all aimed at guiding individuals toward a fulfilling life.

The core of Epicurus's philosophy is hedonism, but not in the common sense of seeking sensual indulgence. He defined pleasure as the absence of pain in the body (aponia) and disturbance in the mind ( ataraxia ). True pleasure, for Epicurus, was a state of serene contentment rather than intense, fleeting gratification.

He emphasized that mental pleasures, such as peace of mind and the enjoyment of good memories, are superior to physical pleasures because they are more lasting and less prone to leading to pain. A simple life, free from anxiety and excessive desires, was key to achieving this state.

Reason and prudence were crucial tools in Epicurean ethics. One must use rational thought to discern which pleasures are truly beneficial and which might lead to greater pain in the long run, thereby making wise choices about one's desires and actions. This calculation of pleasure and pain was central to his ethical framework.

A significant part of Epicurus's teaching involved overcoming two primary fears: the fear of the gods and the fear of death. He argued that the gods are perfect and therefore indifferent to human affairs, and that death is merely the cessation of sensation, meaning "when we are, death is not; when death is, we are not." Eliminating these fears was vital for achieving mental tranquility.

Epicurus also stressed the importance of friendship as a primary source of security and happiness. He believed that living a modest, private life with a close circle of friends was more conducive to peace than pursuing public ambition, wealth, or fame, which often bring anxiety and strife.

His philosophy was underpinned by a materialist physics, positing that everything in the universe, including the human soul, is composed of atoms moving in a void. This atomic theory provided a naturalistic explanation for the world, removing the need for supernatural interventions and further dispelling fears of divine retribution or an afterlife.

Despite his emphasis on moderation and tranquility, Epicurus's philosophy was often misunderstood or misrepresented, particularly by his critics, as advocating for unrestrained indulgence. This led to the common modern usage of "epicurean" to mean someone devoted to luxurious living, a stark contrast to his actual teachings of simplicity and mental peace.