What will I learn about: why the ancient philosophy of Epicureanism goes far beyond indulging in food and luxury to offer a comprehensive theory of everything from physics to love?

Discover why the ancient philosophy of Epicureanism goes far beyond indulging in food and luxury to offer a comprehensive theory of everything from physics to love.

What will I learn about: Learn how Epicurean thinkers remarkably predicted modern science, introducing early concepts of atomic theory and a precursor to Charles Darwin's natural selection?

Learn how Epicurean thinkers remarkably predicted modern science, introducing early concepts of atomic theory and a precursor to Charles Darwin's natural selection.

What will I learn about: the Epicurean perspective on mortality, and see how accepting the physical, temporary nature of consciousness can empower you to live your best life today?

Understand the Epicurean perspective on mortality, and see how accepting the physical, temporary nature of consciousness can empower you to live your best life today.

What will I learn about: the Epicurean approach to decision-making by prudently weighing short-term actions against long-term consequences to maximize genuine pleasure and minimize future pain?

Master the Epicurean approach to decision-making by prudently weighing short-term actions against long-term consequences to maximize genuine pleasure and minimize future pain.

What will I learn about: how to apply ancient ethical principles to modern life by balancing your natural desire for happiness with practical wisdom and a moral responsibility toward others?

Find out how to apply ancient ethical principles to modern life by balancing your natural desire for happiness with practical wisdom and a moral responsibility toward others.

How to Be an Epicurean

The Ancient Art of Living Well

Catherine Wilson

★ 4.4 / 5(217 ratings)

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Categories:

Philosophy

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡How did ancient Epicurean philosophers anticipate modern scientific breakthroughs, including atomic theory and Darwinian natural selection, thousands of years before they were proven?
💡If the core of Epicureanism is seeking personal pleasure, why did its founders strongly advocate for strictly following moral conventions and human-made laws?
💡How does the Epicurean distinction between immutable 'nature' and human-made 'convention' challenge our modern understanding of concepts like wealth, human rights, and objective truth?

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Key Takeaways from How to Be an Epicurean

✓Discover why the ancient philosophy of Epicureanism goes far beyond indulging in food and luxury to offer a comprehensive theory of everything from physics to love.
✓Learn how Epicurean thinkers remarkably predicted modern science, introducing early concepts of atomic theory and a precursor to Charles Darwin's natural selection.
✓Understand the Epicurean perspective on mortality, and see how accepting the physical, temporary nature of consciousness can empower you to live your best life today.
✓Master the Epicurean approach to decision-making by prudently weighing short-term actions against long-term consequences to maximize genuine pleasure and minimize future pain.
✓Find out how to apply ancient ethical principles to modern life by balancing your natural desire for happiness with practical wisdom and a moral responsibility toward others.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from How to Be an Epicurean

Mind Map

How to Be an Epicurean

Core Philosophy & Atomism+

Consciousness & Evolution+

Ethics, Pleasure, & Prudence+

Navigating Inevitable Pains+

Nature vs. Convention+

Empiricism & Finding Truth+

Living a Meaningful Life+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10

What is the Epicurean view on atoms and the physical world?

A. Atoms are temporary particles that eventually dissolve into nothingness over time.
B. Everything is made of permanent atoms, and any change in objects is simply those atoms rearranging themselves.
C. Atoms are created and destroyed constantly by a divine force that manages the universe.
D. Atoms only make up inanimate objects, while living things are made of spiritual energy.

Question 2 of 10

How did ancient Epicureans explain the phenomenon of human consciousness?

A. It is an immortal, non-physical entity that survives after the body dies.
B. It is a temporary illusion created by societal conditioning.
C. It is the result of special, lively 'soul atoms' which offer an evolutionary advantage.
D. It is a divine spark placed inside the human mind by supernatural forces.

Question 3 of 10

How does Epicureanism view human-made laws and moral conventions?

A. They are unnatural structures that oppress humanity and prevent true pleasure.
B. They are divine mandates that must be strictly followed to achieve enlightenment.
C. They are an intrinsic part of human biology and naturally occurring in the wild.
D. They are artificial inventions that are necessary to prevent chaos and allow us to live pleasurably.

Question 4 of 10

Which of the following highlights a uniquely modern-sounding social stance of the ancient Epicurean school?

A. Women were allowed to join the school and were treated as equals.
B. They advocated for the immediate abolition of all slavery in Greece.
C. They believed that wealth should be entirely redistributed among the poorest citizens.
D. They established the first democratic voting system for philosophical leaders.

Question 5 of 10

What is the Epicurean attitude toward death?

A. It is an illusion that true philosophers can mentally overcome.
B. It is a transition to a realm of cosmic justice where the good are rewarded.
C. It is a terrible event, but it shouldn't be feared because it is just a natural limit and we simply cease to exist.
D. It should be eagerly anticipated as an escape from earthly pains and emotional diseases.

Question 6 of 10

In Epicurean philosophy, what distinguishes "properties" from "accidents"?

A. Properties describe physical objects, while accidents describe subjective thoughts.
B. Properties are natural, unchangeable characteristics, while accidents are changeable conventions like wealth or freedom.
C. Properties are given by the gods, while accidents are caused entirely by random chance.
D. Properties describe indestructible atoms, while accidents describe living biological organisms.

Question 7 of 10

How does a modern-day Epicurean view the concept of human rights?

A. As absolute, natural truths intrinsic to every human being from birth.
B. As dangerous illusions that distract individuals from seeking personal pleasure.
C. As human-made conventions that require ongoing discussion and debate.
D. As properties comparable to the heat of fire or the heaviness of a rock.

Question 8 of 10

What is the Epicurean approach to discovering the truth in a world where we can never be 100 percent certain?

A. Relying strictly on abstract mathematical logic and rejecting all sensory input.
B. Accepting that knowledge is impossible and therefore abstaining from all scientific inquiry.
C. Trusting our internal emotions and gut feelings above all external evidence.
D. Using empiricism to gather sensory information and determine what is most likely to be true.

Question 9 of 10

How do Epicureans and Stoics differ in their view of human passions and emotions?

A. Stoics view emotions as a disease, while Epicureans embrace them as natural.
B. Stoics believe emotions should dictate all actions, while Epicureans seek to suppress them completely.
C. Both view emotions as unnatural, but Epicureans believe negative emotions can be useful.
D. Stoics focus entirely on cultivating positive emotions, while Epicureans focus on avoiding all feelings to prevent pain.

Question 10 of 10

According to the Epicurean perspective, what constitutes a "meaningful" life?

A. Achieving extreme success and leaving a lasting legacy in the history books.
B. Dedicating oneself entirely to a higher calling, such as extreme overachievement in a career.
C. Simply doing what you do and loving those close to you, without needing to seek extreme external goals.
D. Amassing enough wealth to secure total independence from societal conventions.