Astonishing Epicurus: Unveiling the Garden’s Philosophy 🌱💭
Hey there! So, I came across this fascinating article about Epicureanism, the philosophy that put pleasure at the center of everything. Here’s a quick summary of the key points that caught my attention:
1. **Epicurus and his Garden:** Epicurus, a contemporary of Zeno (the founder of Stoicism), established a philosophy school called “the Garden” dedicated to finding happiness through reason. What’s interesting is that this school welcomed women and slaves, challenging the norms of their time. 🏛️
2. **Pleasure and the Pursuit of Happiness:** Epicurus believed that pleasure was the highest good, but not in the way most people assume. He emphasized the absence of pain and cautioned against overindulgence. He also highlighted the importance of differentiating between types of pleasures and desires, aiming for long-term joy and minimal suffering. 🌟
3. **Fear, Death, and the Gods:** Epicurus tackled the greatest fears of humanity—fear of death and fear of the gods. He argued that the gods had no concern for humans and that death should not trouble us since it brings an end to both body and mind. By addressing these fears, Epicurus aimed to free individuals from unnecessary anxieties and promote tranquility. ☠️🙏
## Supplemental Information ℹ️
Intriguingly, despite Epicurus’ compelling ideas, Stoicism gained more popularity in ancient Rome. Stoicism’s emphasis on duty, virtue, and public works resonated with the conservative Roman mindset, while Epicureanism’s focus on personal pleasure was viewed as self-indulgent. Additionally, the flexibility of Stoicism allowed it to adapt to Roman imperatives, while Epicureanism remained relatively fixed.
### ELI45 💁
The article discusses Epicurus, a philosopher who believed pleasure was the ultimate good, but not in a wild, hedonistic way. He emphasized the absence of pain and the pursuit of long-term joy. Epicurus challenged the fears of death and the gods, aiming to bring tranquility. However, despite its appeal, Stoicism became more popular in ancient Rome due to its alignment with Roman values.
#### Source 📚: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/202306/the-arithmetics-of-pleasure?amp