Epicureanism is an ancient philosophical belief that happiness comes from moderation, simplicity, friendship, and community.
In simple terms, it is an approach to life that stresses finding happiness through living simply.
Throughout history, philosophers and psychologists have pondered the notion of happiness.
Illustration by Jessica Olah, Verywell
Epicurus agreed with other philosophers that happiness is our ultimate human pursuit.
Many philosophers suggested that experiencing pleasure andhappinessmeant indulging and enjoying things to excess.
Epicurus, on the other hand, suggested that pleasure was found in simple living.
Today, this philosophy is referred to as Epicureanism.
At a Glance
Epicureanism suggests finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.
This includes finding a sense of community and practicing moderation, virtue, and temperance.
Epicurus' perspective and teaching has been referred to as “serene hedonism.”
People who are considered hedonists are those who make it their life’s work to experience maximum pleasure.
Their decision making and behaviors are all motivated by the desire to experience pleasure.
Happiness
There are three states Epicurus considered to constitute happiness.
There is one factor that Epicurus suggested has the power to destroy pleasure, which isanxiety about our future.
Click below to listen now.
Moving pleasure refers to actively being in the process of satisfying a desire.
An example of this could be eating food when you feel hungry.
In those moments we are taking action toward our intended goal of pleasure.
Epicureanism suggests that static pleasures are the preferred form of pleasure.
Physical pleasures and pains, he suggested, had to do with the present.
Mental pleasures and pains had to do with the past and future.
Desires
Epicurus identified three types of desires:
Friendship
Epicureanism emphasizes the importance of friendship.
In fact, Epicurus suggested thatfriendshipwas one of the greatest means of obtaining pleasure.
Courage was a highly regarded virtue for Epicurus as well.
Recap
Epicureanism suggests that happiness requires tranquility, freedom from fear, and the absence of pain.
Friendship and connection are also vital.
Epicureanism and the Unhappiness Cure
Epicurus outlined a four-part cure for unhappiness.
The term “tetrapharmakos” means four-part cure or four-part remedy.
This term originally meant a medical antidote or healing concoction to be taken as a cure for illness.
4-Part Unhappiness Cure
Epicurus does not suggest that pain is completely avoidable.
Epicurus also stated to do this throughmeditationwith like-minded people.
Epicureanism in Modern Living
Life is uncertain and we cannot, ultimately, avoid pain orvulnerability.
We will encounter both as part of our human experience.
Minimalism suggests that by living with less, we can experience greater peace and freedom.
He suggests that to be happy we must turn away from external things.
Minimalist living offers an example of what an Epicurean lifestyle might look like in our modern times.
Personal Finances
The Epicurean philosophy can also be applied to financial life.
However, we can make a point to seek pleasure and comfort, particularly when faced with challenges.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Epicurus.
Konstan D.Epicurus.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Mitsis P.Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism.
Millburn JF, Nicodemus R.Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life.
2022;14(2):347-361. doi:10.1111/aphw.12306
