Epicureanism Explained: Ancient Philosophy's Controversial Legacy
In a recent post on the YouTube channel Told in Stone, Garrett Ryan explores the often-misunderstood philosophy of Epicureanism. Epicurus, who lived from 341 to 270 BC, believed that the main goal of life is to find happiness, which hinges on freeing ourselves from anxiety. He argued that our fear of death and what comes after is a major source of mental distress, so understanding the universe is crucial. A key aspect of this philosophy is ataraxia, or achieving peace through self-sufficiency. To reach this state, one should avoid unnecessary worries, such as engaging in politics or marriage, while valuing friendships. Epicureanism faced criticism from figures like Cicero and Plutarch in Rome. Colin Marshall, who lives in Seoul, authored the article and is known for his works on cities, language, and culture.
Key facts
- Garrett Ryan explains Epicureanism in a new video on his YouTube channel Told in Stone.
- Epicurus (341–270 BC) held that pleasure is the greatest good and happiness is the sole legitimate goal of human existence.
- The essence of happiness is freedom from anxiety, and fear of death and the afterlife is the greatest source of mental disturbance.
- The philosophy includes principles about atoms drifting through the infinite void.
- Ataraxia is the tranquility that comes from being sufficient in oneself.
- Achieving ataraxia requires removing all sources of unnecessary mental disturbance, including politics and possibly marriage, but friendship is acceptable.
- Cicero attacked Epicureanism for its opposition to traditional Roman religion and its isolation from public life.
- Plutarch wrote anti-Epicurean treatises, including 'It Is Not Possible to Live Pleasurably According to the Doctrines of Epicurus.'
Entities
Artists
- Epicurus
- Garrett Ryan
- Cicero
- Plutarch
- Colin Marshall
Institutions
- Told in Stone
- Open Culture
- Books on Cities
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea