From time to time I re-post information about the ideas behind Epicureanism. With our world in turmoil this seems a good moment to do it again: 1. The principal objective of life is happiness or pleasure. Happiness is peace of mind and body. It is tranquillity or undisturbedness (ataraxia), the quiet of a mind free …
“Anything carried to excess can cause unhappiness”. (Michel de Montaigne). An Epicurean bon mot.
I received a question from Owen, a regular contributor, as to my attitude towards eugenics, posted on this blog. I agree with the points made by Owen, and would add the following. First, a Webster definition: “Eugenics is a “science” that tries to improve the human race by controlling which people become parents”. There has …
“May not the goose say thus: All the parts of the universe I have an interest in: the earth serves me to walk upon, the sun to light me; the stars have their influence upon me; I have such an advantage by the winds and such by the waters; there is nothing that yon heavenly …
Philodemus, writing about therapies for anger, explains that the furious and the chronically angry can not advance in philosophy. A commitment to themselves, to their ataraxia, and to cognitive therapy is necessary live a pleasant life. One of the treatments used by Philodemus and other philosophers was called “seeing before the eyes”. In this technique, …
Continue reading ‘Epicurean therapy for anger (last part) – see other two parts below’ »
Chronic Anger and Rage Yesterday I dealt with the Epicurean idea of justified anger. The next two forms of anger are pathological and represent a loss of reason, that is, they are irrational (even if sometimes they have natural beginnings). The second type of anger is chronic or addictive anger. This is not natural, but …
Continue reading ‘Philodemus on irrational anger (second part)’ »
This is rather long, but I thought some actual Epicurean teachings might be a change. (I have split it into three postings for the sake of digestability). Phildemus was an Epicurean who wrote, among other things, about anger. There was a huge contrast between the Stoic and Epicurean schools. Stoics idealized apathy (or lack of …
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On July 31st I posted a notice about my short paper called “Epicurus and politics: why I think he was wrong”. Regular reader Owen Bell, a student of History and Politics at Exeter University, England, has written back in reply. I think what he has to say is thoughtful and well-informed and deserves to be …
Continue reading ‘Epicurus and Politics: why I think he was wrong – a reply’ »
The following are ten basic ethical tenets of Epicureanism – how should we live? What is the goal of living? How should we pursue that goal? 1. Don’t be concerned about “gods” – supernatural beings do not exist, and even if there are any “perfect” higher beings they are not concerned with mankind. The only …
Epicurus was a very serious person and his work, now lost, may have been hard going. He was fortunate that Lucretius was later able to explain Epicureanism in an accessible way. His six volumes of poetry now rank as outstanding pieces of literature in Latin. You might have the greatest idea ever thought up, but …
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 …
“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 …
“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, …
“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 …
