The world is filled with polite, shy, inscrutable, unintelligible, tight lipped, superficial, dishonest and also honest people who for one reason or another do not say what they think. The search for freedom of speech has barely begun. Many do not reveal their thoughts because they are not sure what they think. Many would be braver in their speech if they were more certain of a sympathetic hearing. Many, particularly in places where success depends on conformity, are schooled to be hypocrites. The hidden thoughts in other people’s heads are the great darkness that surrounds us. (Theodore Zeldin, The Oxford Muse)

Epicureans say what they think, but in doing so, are polite, courteous and listen to the other point of view, with nice smiles on their faces. This is what the Epicurean Garden was (is) about: friendship, exchange of ideas, and thinking for yourself.

Of course, supporters of Epicurus are also human beings, fraught with the same concerns and inhibitions as everyone else. It’s tough being always honest; it can hurt a lot of feelings. If telling the odd white lie for the sake of peace is hypocrisy, then put me down as a part-time hypocrite, Epicurean or no.