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 were losers who did not deserve help.
How unattractive can one be in public? He totally misunderstands Epicureanism. He sounds like an Ayn Rand supporter. Epicurus advocated a life of happiness, tranquillity, and friendship. Far from wanting us to free-ride at anyone’s expense, he believed in cooperation and mutual understanding and support. Why? Because working together respectfully and as part of a team all help to make life pleasant and rewarding. Selfishness and free-riding do nothing for your self-respect, ultimate happiness, or for the respect of your friends.
Epicurus is credited with influencing Ayn Rand and the libertarians. Ayn Rand wanted to liberate the world from government and other constraints, so that each man can be free to exist for his own sake. Can this point of view be reconciled with the Epicurean idea of happiness, tranquility, and freedom from fear and anxiety, with friendship and community?
In my opinion, no!