“Seek pleasure and avoid pain” is one of the chief teachings of Epicurus, twisted ruthlessly by his philosopher rivals and later by the Christian church when it had achieved temporal power. Epicurus believed in modest living – having sufficient security and sufficient pleasure, but never too much. He was accused of having orgies and living …
Epicurus believed that war and conquest invariably bring with them unexpected consequences. While nations wage war in the name of “security”, very often everything is going to hell (so to speak) in a handbasket at home. Epicurus was against wars, especially those of choice. Often they are promoted by those with an agenda. He didn’t …
Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, is leaving. At 61. A church leader is actually retiring and not dying on the job, and at a time of life which I consider middle-aged! Popes have to die or be assassinated. Secondly, the subtext is that he has had enough of the politics and nastiness in the Anglican …
God has apparently given us humans the ability to think for ourselves and to work out what seems reasonable and sensible and what seems not. If this is the case what is the justification for religious dogma? Or, to put it another way, why are Roman Catholics told that if they do not follow the …
Lucretius, reflecting the views of Epicurus, tells us that fear of death and overarching ambition are the things that make humans unhappy. I would add plotting, planning, getting jealous, scoring points and putting people down to that list. Lucretius encourages us to enjoy the wonders of the universe and the natural things before our eyes, …
