Epicurus
Full Name and Common Aliases
Epicurus was a prominent ancient Greek philosopher whose ideas have left a lasting impact on Western thought. He is often referred to simply as Epicurus, though his followers and those influenced by his teachings are known as Epicureans.
Birth and Death Dates
Epicurus was born in 341 BCE and passed away in 270 BCE. His life spanned a period of significant philosophical development in ancient Greece.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Epicurus was Greek by nationality. He was a philosopher and the founder of the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism. His work primarily focused on ethics, the nature of the universe, and the pursuit of happiness.
Early Life and Background
Epicurus was born on the island of Samos, a Greek colony in the Aegean Sea. His parents, Neocles and Chaerestrate, were Athenian settlers. From a young age, Epicurus was exposed to philosophical ideas, which sparked his interest in the subject. At the age of 14, he began studying philosophy under the tutelage of Pamphilus, a Platonist teacher. Later, he moved to Athens to complete his education, where he was influenced by the teachings of Democritus and the atomists, as well as the ethical ideas of Socrates and the Cynics.
Major Accomplishments
Epicurus is best known for founding the Garden, a school of philosophy in Athens that welcomed men and women, slaves and free people alike, which was revolutionary for its time. His philosophy emphasized the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of wisdom, friendship, and a simple life. Epicurus developed a comprehensive system of thought that included theories on the nature of the universe, the role of the gods, and the importance of personal tranquility.
Notable Works or Actions
Although many of Epicurus's writings have been lost, his ideas have been preserved through the works of later philosophers and his own surviving letters and maxims. Among his notable works are the "Letter to Herodotus," which outlines his views on physics and the nature of the universe, and the "Letter to Menoeceus," which discusses ethics and the pursuit of happiness. His "Principal Doctrines" and "Vatican Sayings" are collections of aphorisms that encapsulate his philosophical teachings.
Impact and Legacy
Epicurus's philosophy has had a profound influence on both ancient and modern thought. His ideas challenged the prevailing notions of the time, particularly the belief in divine intervention and the fear of death. By advocating for a life of moderation and the pursuit of intellectual pleasures, Epicurus laid the groundwork for later philosophical movements, including the Enlightenment. His emphasis on empirical observation and rational thought contributed to the development of the scientific method.
Epicureanism, as a school of thought, persisted for centuries after his death, influencing Roman thinkers like Lucretius, who wrote "De Rerum Natura" (On the Nature of Things), a poetic exposition of Epicurean philosophy. In the modern era, Epicurus's ideas have been revisited by philosophers and scholars interested in ethics, happiness, and the role of science in understanding the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Epicurus is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on human nature and the pursuit of happiness. His teachings on the importance of friendship, the value of a simple life, and the need to overcome the fear of death resonate with people across different cultures and eras. His famous maxim, "Death is nothing to us," encapsulates his belief that understanding the nature of life and death can free individuals from irrational fears and lead to a more fulfilling existence.
Epicurus's emphasis on personal tranquility and the pursuit of intellectual pleasures continues to inspire those seeking a balanced and meaningful life. His ideas challenge individuals to question societal norms and to find contentment in the simple joys of life. As a result, Epicurus remains a significant figure in the history of philosophy, and his quotes continue to be a source of wisdom and reflection for many.
Quotes by Epicurus
Epicurus's insights on:
It is impossible to live pleasurably without living wisely, well, and justly, and impossible to live wisely, well and justly without living pleasurably.
A beneficent person is like a fountain watering the earth and spreading fertility: it is therefore more delightful and more honourable to give than receive.
Plain fare gives as much pleasure as a costly diet, while bread and water confer the highest possible pleasure when they are brought to hungry lips.
We recognize pleasure as the first good innate in us, and from pleasure we begin every act of choice and avoidance, and to pleasure we return again, using the feeling as the standard by which we judge every good.
The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.
He is a little man in every way, for whom there are many reasons for departing from life.
Don't fear the gods. Don't worry about death; What is good is easy to get, and what is terrible is easy to endure.
Let no young man delay the study of philosophy, and let no old man become weary of it: for it is never too early nor too late to care for the well-being of the soul.