A day or two ago I commented that seriousness seems to go with Epicureanism, and wondered whether some people were influenced by the grim visage of the philosopher himself.
Why is it that mention the word “philosophy” and everyone immediately settles into pseudo-intellectual mode? I think it must have something to do with the sort of people who go into the teaching of philosophy, many of whom wrap themselves into incomprehensible knots, speaking a form of English that requires a handy dictionary.
Philosophy is about life, and life is miserable without laughter, humour and light-heartedness. Epicureanism, in particular, is a message of freedom, friendship and absence of fear and anxiety. So why are so many people existing on the fringes of Epicureanism so grim.
Lighten up, lads (lads, because we get curiously few women. Could this be because we take ourselves too seriously. Ladies, please comment)
This “curiously few” woman couldn’t agree more. Life is tricky enough as it is, which means that to live by drear and clogged vocabulary is not in the least helpful.
Yours is a helpful and generous definition of “philosophy” because it answers to the root meaning: “love of wisdom.” Who in this amazing Universe (or Multiverse or whatever) could claim to be wise if they did not also laugh, chuckle, chortle, and smile at many of life’s experiences, and more importantly, at themselves?
I think that the wide variety of subjects discussed on in this blog reflects a true philosophical spirit because it avoids the tedium of boring bits of abstruse questions and tries to make enduring sense of what we go through day-by-day.
Another “curiously few” woman heartily agrees with the above comment. I cant help but smile , and giggle at the absurdity of life, the universe and indeed most things!
You should come and live in the USA. We could do with some people who giggle!
I think this is due to the lack of a vibrant community as existed in antiquity. Epicureanism can only be accurately replicated today, as it existed for seven centuries, as a society of friends engaging in philosophical discourse and enjoying the good wine, good music, good cheeses, good bread and good association. Epicureans should create physical spaces for interaction.
Just too many people! In ancient times the population was tiny and you probably knew most of the people for five miles round. Now the mass of people makes it difficult to have a vibrant community and the fact is that if you don’t know a passer-by and will never see them again, they don’t matter. Burgeoning population can have a brutalizing effect on the attitudes of men about Man. It has certainly affected manners and consideration.