He used the concept of ataraxia —a state of serene calmness. To Epicurus, the highest pleasure is not the feeling of being full after a feast; it is the absence of hunger. It is not the thrill of a new lover; it is the absence of the pain of loneliness.
: Basic needs (food, water, shelter) are simple to satisfy; it is only the desire for luxury that causes stress. epicurus the art of happiness pdf
To overcome this anxiety and achieve happiness, Epicurus proposed a fourfold remedy: He used the concept of ataraxia —a state
: The gods are remote and indifferent to human affairs. : Basic needs (food, water, shelter) are simple
Epicurus (341-270 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who founded a school in Athens, known as "The Garden," which became a hub for philosophical inquiry and communal living. His teachings emphasized the pursuit of happiness, the avoidance of physical pain and mental distress, and the cultivation of friendships and intellectual curiosity. Epicurus' philosophy was not merely theoretical; it was a way of life, designed to help individuals achieve a state of tranquility, freedom from fear, and lasting happiness.
: You can find the primary texts (Letter to Menoeceus, Principal Doctrines) through the Internet Archive MIT's Classics Archive