What is the point of this blog?

For a long time I went daily onto the Yahoo Epicurean discussion site. One can learn a lot from the contributors, some of whom are very knowledgeable and interesting. In no way would I wish to disparage the contributions, and indeed admire the main players very much.

However, it seemed to me that there was a tendency to discuss what Epicureanism used to be in the time of Epicurus, without trying to relate it to modern life and greatly changed situations. We have few of the writings of Epicurus and cannot possibly fully understand the cultural outlook of his times. Christianity Judaism and Hinduism, to name but three religions, have changed and adapted over the years and have as many interpretations as coverings on a pizza. So why do some people claiming to be Epicureans insist of the purity of the “Word”?

My intention, as an ordinary person in the street, who has no degree in philosophy, is to take everyday issues and try to interpret them in a pragmatic way. If Epicurus was a grim as he is represented in his bust (see above!) then he might notionally expel me from his Garden!
But I don’t think anyone has the right to be the sole arbiter of Epicureanism, or we would have a Pope and a hundred thousand priests. Nor do I think Epicureanism should be left to the Libertarians and Ayn Randians; that would be presumptuous. For all we know, Epicurus would swing with the punches when he saw the huge increase in population, modern problems and issues, and the scientific possibilities of improving the life of humanity.

So taking a more pragmatic view of Epicureanism, I hope in a modest way to suggest, with friends, a gentler, kinder version than is current. I personally grew up in a moderate, political atmosphere, where everyone, more or less, wanted to help along the whole country, not just the rich and most advantaged. So like everyone else I have an agenda, and it is right to hint at it up-front.

Delighted to debate the above!