Join me on a journey to ancient Greece! Learn what wise philosophers had to say and ponder about the meaning of their messages. This time, I'll add my commentary.
Weekend Philosophy Quotes: Epicurus ( #4)
Epicurus
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(341–270 BC)
"Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist."
Ah, pure existentialism. What a powerful phrase! The fear of death is an enemy that lurks deep within the subconsciousness of every human being. It is often the at a later stage in life that this demon surfaces with all it's power. But there is not a single person who has not felt the fear, the anxiety at some point...which is radiated when the realization of inevitable death can is fully comprehended and present. It is in those dark and lonely moments that this phrase can serve as a ray of light and shelter. Death does not matter as long as we exist, we don't have to worry about it. And when it comes - we cease to exist.
"We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it."
"Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance."
I feel these two go hand in hand. Epicurus was a unique philosopher who was more concerned with hapiness than meaning. Aren't we all searching for happiness? Isn't that the goal of our life journey? Then why do we spend so much time with things that we do not enjoy or are a source of false gratification. Why not invest time in ones own happiness instead? Define goals, make plans, work on expectation management, separate real inner desires from outer ones, listen to the inner voice to find what really matters...
"Of all the things which wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship."
If there is one thing to take away from Epicurus it would be this: The greatest possession we have is friendship. That is how our true wealth is measured. The warm conversations, the sharing, the support, the struggles - these are the wonderous joys of the human experience. Go call that girl you haven't talked to since college! What about that "Beer" you re-scheduled 3 times already, go get it! What about that guy from work who wanted to come over? Invite him over tomorrow! These are the things that matter, these are the things that count in the end.
Epicurus
was a special Greek philospher. The uniqueness of his work lies in the direction of his exploration of the human condition. To Epicurus, the central part of philosophy was not the question of meaning - but happiness. He studied different people, their occupations, their hobbies, their values and tried to find the recipe for a happy life. The Epicurean school of thought introduces two essential terms: Ataraxia - The attainment of a happy, tranquil life and Aponia - The absense of fear and pain. He argues that much of the human suffering lies in the painful confrontation with ones own mortality. However, it doesn't have to be this way: Epicurus teaches a healthy way of dealing with death, that can help obtain freedom from mortal anxiety. Furthermore, he teaches that hapiness can be found in self-sufficiency and friendship. The most fulfilling job is one where you work in a small group and see an immediate feedback from your contribution to the community, like some kind of handwork, for example baking bread or creating art. Epicurus did what most of us want to, but never get around to doing - He bought a big house and moved in with all his friends to enjoy friendly banter, social games and engaging conversations at any time of the day. This idea spread around the country, and even years later you could find "Epicurean Houses" and "Epicurean societies" living together in friedship and trying to live as he did - happily.
Epicurus is one of my favorite Philosophers. His thoughs are charming, witty and life-affirming. It refreshing to read a philosopher who gives practical advise that can be applied to ones own life, like I have already done for myself.
Which quote did you like the most?
- Niko ( @cryptonik ) -
