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Epicurus: The Philosopher of Simple Pleasures
A Lighthearted Look at the Ancient Thinker Who Wasn’t Actually a Party Animal**
Say the name Epicurus and most people picture an ancient Greek lounging at an endless banquet, sipping wine, being fed grapes, and delivering TED Talks between courses.
But here’s the twist:
Epicurus was basically the opposite of a party animal.
He believed the good life was built on:
He’s not the philosopher of excess — he’s the philosopher of not giving yourself indigestion.
Let’s explore the man who was way more “backyard picnic” than “Roman feast.”
⭐ A Quick Bio (Featuring Zero Orgies)
Epicurus was born in 341 BCE on the island of Samos.
He was thoughtful, curious, and deeply concerned with one big question:
“How can humans live without fear and suffering?”
He eventually moved to Athens, bought a house with a garden, and started The Garden School, a chill, co-ed philosophical community that was shockingly inclusive for the time.
While other philosophers were arguing in public squares, Epicurus and his friends sat under fig trees having deep conversations and eating bread.
Honestly?
It sounds great.
⭐ Epicurus’ Big Ideas (Served Light and Tasty)
1. Pleasure Is the Goal — But Not That Kind of Pleasure
Epicurus believed the purpose of life was pleasure, but his definition wasn’t “wine until sunrise.”
He believed:
…were the highest pleasures.
In other words:
Epicurus would have hated spring break.
2. Avoid Pain (But Smartly)
He believed most suffering comes from:
His solution?
Live simply, want less, enjoy more.
Minimalism before minimalism.
3. Don’t Fear Death
Epicurus delivered one of the most comforting lines in philosophy:
“Death is nothing to us.”
His logic:
So why fear something we never experience?
It’s the philosophical version of “Don’t worry about it.”
4. Don’t Fear the Gods Either
He wasn’t anti-god — he just thought the gods were too busy being perfect and blissful to meddle in human lives.
His message:
The universe isn’t out to get you. Relax.
5. Friendship Makes Life Worth Living
Epicurus put friendship above wealth, fame, comfort, or power.
He believed:
The Garden wasn’t just a school — it was a community.
Basically, Epicurus invented Friendsgiving.
⭐ Why He Still Matters Today
Epicurus is more relevant than ever because his ideas map perfectly onto modern anxieties:
✦ Stressed?
He reminded us to simplify and slow down.
✦ Burnt out?
He taught that constant striving makes happiness harder, not easier.
✦ Doomscrolling?
He’d tell you to turn off your phone and sit with people you love.
✦ Feeling disconnected?
He’d say you need fewer possessions, more real conversations.
✦ Afraid of death?
He gives one of the clearest, most calming philosophical responses.
Epicurus is the unofficial therapist of the ancient world.
⭐ How to Live Like Epicurus (Without Moving Into a Garden)
Epicurean living isn’t about indulgence — it’s about enough.
And finding joy in the “enough” is a skill we desperately need today.
⭐ Final Thoughts From the Chillest Philosopher in History
Epicurus was not the hedonistic party animal history memes make him out to be.
He was wiser, calmer, and in many ways — far more relatable.
He believed:
If Nietzsche is espresso and Aristotle is green tea,
Epicurus is herbal tea with good friends on a quiet afternoon.
And honestly?
That’s a philosophy worth savoring.
