Epicurus

Epicurus is one of the 16 books that is part of the SSRC Philosophers Series called “Free Thinkers.” The series is an attempt to present the teachings of many of the great philosophers throughout history in a way that average readers without academic backgrounds can easily understand. Epicurus (341-270 BCE) established his philosophical school in a garden outside the city of Athens, where he taught a way of life focused on freedom from mental disturbances, on pleasure, and on happiness. His philosophy emphasized freedom from fear through an understanding of the nature of the world. His approach was to live a balanced life, free from mental anguish, by remembering therapeutic teachings and affirmations. He taught that suffering often happens when we cannot obtain what we want or when we get what we don’t truly need. To find peace of mind and happiness, one must focus only on desires that are natural and necessary, and live a life of moderation and harmony, avoiding superstitious thinking and irrational fears of death. Today, Epicureanism is linked with gourmet food, travel, and luxury items or experiences. This is not surprising because Epicurus’s philosophy holds that pleasure is not only good but also the most valuable goal in life. However, he was often misunderstood, since his goal was to guide humankind toward lasting joy and serenity. For some, ‘pleasure’ might mean food, drink, and sensory enjoyment, but for Epicurus, it meant a calm, peaceful, and simple life centred on contemplation, sharing, and caring.