The Ultimate Guide to Epicurus Biography, ideas, books A comprehensive overview of Epicurus’ philosophy of happiness. Epicurus is one of the few ancient philosophers who are more relevant today than they were in their own times. Learn all about him right here. (more...)
Epicurus: A Guide to the Principal Doctrines Text, commentary and study guide The Principal Doctrines is the main work of Epicurus on happiness. This article presents the original text with explanations and discussion questions. It also includes tips for organising an Epicurus reading group or book club. (more...)
Living Epicurus Today What is a 21st century Epicurean? So has Epicurean living become so expensive today as to exclude most of us from practising it? Does one need to be rich in order to be able to afford the simple life? (more...)
What Are Friends For? Epicurus on Friendship Epicurus’ view on the value of friends has often been romanticised and equally often misunderstood. Here, we discuss Epicurus’ philosophy of friendship. (more...)
Stephanie Mills: Epicurean Simplicity Is a simple life the key to happiness? In her book “Epicurean Simplicity,” author and activist Stephanie Mills analyses what is wrong with our modern way of life. (more...)
Epicurus: The Wise Man and the Fool What’s wrong about being a happy fool? The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus once wrote that “the misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.” But why would that be so? It becomes clearer when we look at Epicurus’ theory of desires. (more...)
It’s A New Sun Every Day Heraclitus and Epicurus on accepting change The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said that one cannot step into the same river twice. But what does this really mean? And what can we learn from this for our own lives? (more...)
Old Age and Death Epicurus on trouble in the soul The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus emphasises that, in a world that works according to physical laws, nobody ought to be afraid of either the gods or one’s own death. (more...)
Reading Epicurus: Pleasure and pain Is happiness only the absence of pain? For Epicurus, pleasure is nothing but the absence of pain. Pain can further be subdivided into pain of the body and trouble in the soul. (more...)
Are some desires better than others? Epicurus on what is natural and what is vain Epicurus believed that the most reliable way to be happy is to reduce one’s desires until it’s easy to satisfy them. (more...)
Epicureanism: The Basic Idea Is it so hard to satisfy our senses? Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BC) believes that the way to ensure happiness throughout life is to reduce one’s desires so that they can be easily fulfilled. (more...)
Epicurus (341-270 BC) The misunderstood ascetic Epicurus (341-270 BC) is often seen as an advocate of a luxurious life, rich in good food and other pleasures. This is incorrect. (more...)
Epicurus and Luddism Would we be happier without technology? Technology, at least in the way that it is deployed in capitalism contradicts the essential simplicity of the ideal Epicurean life. (more...)