Live simply and prudently, with self-control and moderation. Seek simple pleasures, those that satisfy natural and necessary desires, chief of which are food, drink, clothing, shelter, friendship and love. The words of Epicurus. Very similar to the basic teachings of Christianity, really. But what would Jesus have made of the institutions that have flourished in …
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” The Dalai Lama I love this quotation. It would seem unlikely that such a straightforward and simple outlook on life from the top of the world …
“It’s all very well to show courtesy to visiting Muslim dignitaries, but the lengths we went to in Rome last week to please Hassan Rouhani were farcical. The Iranian president and his entourage must have been utterly bemused, when they went for a ceremonial event to the Capitoline Museums, to find big wooden boxes placed …
Moderation is the keynote of Epicureanism. No Epicurean can be a militant atheist like Richard Dawkins, whose books are very interesting and well-written, but who in person is too disagreeable. Contrary to Dawkins, some activities of religion are good, e.g raising money for charity Sunday schools and teaching children consideration and love, honesty and integrity. If …
“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” (Steve Maraboli, “Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience”). Epicureanism stands for moderation in all things, friendship, …
