One of the main things that distinguished the Stoics from the Epicureans was that the Stoics embraced public service and politics with enthusiasm and the Epicureans certainly did not. The extrovert Stoics were out there socializing, networking, competing for honor and advancement on the one hand; the introvert and cerebral Epicureans, were content to be …

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On a Yahoo discussion site I came across a contributor, claiming to be a follower of Epicurus, advocating the idea that Epicureans should “free-ride” on the hard work and success of the billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, who could afford to let Epicureans live a life of leisure, and suggesting that the poor …

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“Why do the Epicureans think they are offering any palliative. To be told one perishes completely and forever, soul, as well as body, is hardly a robust consolation.” (Cicero) Poor Cicero!  So like a politician.  The short-term thinking!    Let me put his mind at rest: I don’t know where exactly you are, Cicero, but …

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“To see ourselves as others see us is a most salutary gift. Hardly less important is the capacity to see others as they see themselves”.  (Aldous Huxley, quoted in The Times) Yes, those who repress free thought in China, try to force their extreme religious ideas on others, support guns for everyone (and so on, …

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“The main obstacles to happiness are, firstly, desire for recognition, rank, wealth, power and sex.  Second is fear of death.  Third is the fear of hell fire threatened by organised religion.”  Michel de Montaigne (1533—1592). Montaigne was a fascinating man.  He espoused most of the views of Epicurus and did not like organised religion, but …

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