A study quoted in the Guardian Weekly  (October 26th) shows that an 18-hole golf course  requires, on average, 22 tonnes of chemical treatments (mostly pesticides) every year, seven times the rate per hectare for industrial farming.  Another survey shows  higher rates of some cancers, such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, (associated with certain pesticides) among golf course superintendents.  Courses also consume staggering amounts of water, which as we know is becoming an issue everywhere, even in that heaven for golfers, Georgia.  

This is , of course, the market working.  If there was no demand for golf courses peasant farmers would not be forced off their land, and in one regrettable case, actually murdered for resisting developers.  But it is unreasonable to prevent well-heeled middle class executives from getting the only exercise they are ever likely to get.  It’s nice that they have an interest in life.

What, you ask, has this to do with Epicureans?  Because apparently we care nothing for the environment or other people’s health or livelihoods, but are  introverted, care-less and preoccupied with ourselves.  Civilized behavior should be left to others. Which might explain why Epicurus has such a small following.

N.B:  For American readers, the facts are true, the comments are intended to be post-ironic.