The Epicurean Way of Life: Finding Happiness in Simplicity
- Release for Public view 2023/08/18
- From Zero to Hero: Part of the Introduction
- Vision to “Telos” – Greek Philosophy
The Epicureans were a school of ancient Greek philosophy that believed that the goal of life is to achieve happiness. They believed that happiness is found in living a simple life, free from pain and anxiety.
The Epicureans used the word “ataraxia” to refer to this state of tranquillity. They believed that ataraxia could be achieved by following a few simple principles:
- Avoiding pain: The Epicureans believed that pain is the greatest evil in life. They therefore tried to avoid pain as much as possible.
- Pursuing pleasure: The Epicureans did not believe that pleasure was evil. However, they believed that it was important to pursue the right kinds of pleasure. They believed that the best pleasures were those that were simple and natural, such as eating, drinking, and spending time with friends and family.
- Living in moderation: The Epicureans believed that it was important to live in moderation. They believed that too much of anything, even pleasure, could lead to pain.
- Accepting death: The Epicureans believed that death was not something to be feared. They believed that death was simply the end of life and that there was nothing to be afraid of.
Real-life applications of Epicureanism
The philosophy of Epicureanism can be applied to many different areas of our lives. Here are a few examples:
- Career: When choosing a career, we can ask ourselves whether it will bring us happiness. If we are not happy with our work, it is likely to lead to pain and anxiety.
- Relationships: When choosing our relationships, we can ask ourselves whether they are making us happy. If our relationships are causing us pain, it is time to make some changes.
- Personal development: When we are trying to change our habits or improve ourselves, we can ask ourselves whether it will lead to happiness. If it is not going to make us happy, it is not worth doing.
- Spiritual life: When we are facing challenges in our spiritual life, we can remind ourselves that death is not something to be feared. We can also focus on the things that give us hope and meaning, such as our faith or our relationships with others.
How to live an Epicurean life
Living an Epicurean life is not always easy. However, it can be an extremely rewarding way to live. By following the principles of Epicureanism, we can find happiness and tranquillity in the midst of life’s challenges.
Here are some tips for living an Epicurean life:
- Identify your values: What is important to you? What makes you happy? Once you know your values, you can start to make choices that are in line with them.
- Live in moderation: Don’t overdo anything, even the things you enjoy. Too much of anything can lead to pain.
- Spend time with loved ones: Our relationships are one of the most important sources of happiness in our lives. Make time for the people you love.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help us to appreciate the simple things in life and to let go of worries about the past or the future.
- Accept death: Death is a natural part of life. Don’t fear it. Instead, focus on living your life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Epicureanism is a philosophy that can help us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By following the principles of Epicureanism, we can find happiness and tranquillity in the midst of life’s challenges.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand the Epicurean Way of Life. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to read the works of the Epicureans themselves. They have much to teach us about how to live a good and happy life.
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With Love, Gratitude & Grace,
- Yvonne E. Venter-Louw
- YEVL (Pty) Ltd. Director & Principal
- Researcher, Advisor, Educator, Coach, Mentor and Speaker
- Thesis: The Psychological Impact and Rehabilitation of Past Experiences on Daily Driven Financial Decisions
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