How to Be an Epicurean

Isn't it amazing that those tiny, imperceptible atoms have chanced to arrange themselves so perfectly, allowing us to think all our thoughts and feel everything we feel?

1. Epicureanism Goes Beyond Pleasure

Epicureanism often conjures images of extravagant feasts or lavish indulgences, but its philosophy is much deeper. Founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, it focuses on living a life full of pleasure balanced with prudence and morality. Pleasure, according to Epicurus, goes beyond physical excess; it relates to mental and emotional contentment.

The essence of this philosophy is moderation. Excessive indulgences can lead to harm later, much like overeating leads to sickness. The goal is to evaluate choices for their long-term benefits rather than immediate gratification. For example, enduring a short-term uneasiness for a long-term gain aligns with this philosophy.

Besides the hedonistic misconception, Epicureanism encompasses thoughtful teachings on nature, physics, the human soul, and morality. It’s a philosophy that seeks to explain how the world works and how we should navigate within it.

Examples

• A balanced diet is more pleasurable in the long run than binge eating junk food.
• Getting regular exercise, though momentarily painful, leads to a pleasurable sense of well-being.
• Ethical relationships create happiness for all parties without guilt or harm.

2. Atoms: The Building Blocks of Epicurus’s Universe

Epicurus proposed that everything, including humans, is made up of atoms. These particles are invisible and eternal, rearranging themselves to create everything we see. This ancient idea closely aligns with modern atomic theory, showing how ahead of its time Epicurean thought was.

Epicurus used this concept to explain natural phenomena without invoking supernatural powers. He argued that everything, from the stars to human emotions, results from matter in movement. There’s no need for divine intervention to explain the universe’s workings.

This theory also influences thoughts on mortality. Death, in Epicureanism, is simply the dissolution of atoms. Rather than fearing it, we should recognize it as a natural process.

Examples

• Modern atomic physics echoes Epicurean atomism in discussing matter rearrangement.
• The absence of supernatural explanations in Epicureanism reflects today’s scientific mindset.
• Accepting death as natural promotes peace rather than anxiety.

3. A Surprising Link to Darwinism

Epicureans believed that nature, through chance and necessity, shapes the world around us. Over time, only the strongest and most adaptable creatures survive—a perspective that mirrors Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection developed centuries later.

This idea stemmed from observing nature and understanding that life evolves to meet its surroundings. There was no divine design to perfection, just survival of those who best fit their environment. This belief counters religious claims of divine creation, grounding humanity in a natural context.

Their thoughts extended to human consciousness. It wasn’t seen as mystical but as a result of highly active ‘soul atoms.’ Today, this view aligns with the scientific understanding that emotions and thoughts stem from brain functions.

Examples

• Darwin’s evolutionary theory parallels Lucretius’ ideas of animal adaptation.
• Emotional responses are evolutionary useful—for example, fear helps animals escape predators.
• Consciousness viewed as a biological phenomenon is a common scientific perspective today.

4. Ethics: Balancing Pleasure with Responsibility

Epicurus emphasized the importance of prudence—making thoughtful, deliberate choices that enhance long-term pleasure without harming others. While seeking pleasure is natural, it doesn’t justify selfish or immoral actions.

He advocated following laws and moral conventions, not because they are “divinely ordained,” but because they help maintain peace and order. Breaking them often causes more trouble than it’s worth, robbing you of peace of mind.

Some decisions are straightforward, like going to the dentist to avoid future pain. Others require a deeper analysis of risks and benefits, like purchasing insurance despite low odds of an accident—if peace of mind is worth the cost, it’s a good choice.

Examples

• Ethical investment choices prioritize sustainability while growing wealth.
• Avoiding gossip prevents short-term pleasure at the expense of trust.
• Supporting fair trade promotes global equity without personal loss.

5. Relationships and Pain Are Inseparable

Epicurus acknowledged that human connections bring both joy and pain. Love, in particular, is a double-edged sword. While it offers immense happiness, it also comes with jealousy, loss, and fear of rejection.

This doesn’t mean one should avoid love or relationships. Instead, embracing their complexities enriches life. Death, too, is an inevitable source of pain. Epicurus viewed it as a natural end and believed that focusing on living well diminishes the fear of it.

These ideas resonate in today’s approaches to grief and love. Accepting pain as part of life allows us to cherish pleasurable moments more deeply, without being overwhelmed when hardships arise.

Examples

• Grieving a loved one includes pain, but also gratitude for shared experiences.
• Ending toxic relationships, though painful, opens the door for healthier connections.
• Marriage advice often embraces acceptance of flaws as part of love’s complexity.

6. The Difference Between Nature and Convention

Epicureans differentiated between natural properties (fire’s heat, water’s liquidity) and human-made conventions (laws, money). Conventions are changeable and created to serve social needs, whereas nature simply is.

This distinction reveals why humans have the power to alter societal norms, improve rights, and fix flawed systems. For instance, poverty exists because of economic systems we’ve constructed, not because of nature, meaning solutions are possible.

This view fosters hope for progress while encouraging humility. Just as Epicureans believe human rights are constructed concepts rather than universal truths, they also recognize these conventions can be refined for collective benefits.

Examples

• Historical abolition of slavery demonstrates the reversal of harmful conventions.
• Modern reform of criminal justice systems represents society remaking itself.
• Gender equality movements aim to change perceptions and conventions.

7. Belief Systems: Seek Evidence, Not Faith

The Epicurean approach calls for skepticism and reliance on empirical evidence. They questioned religious and superstitious claims, focusing on tangible facts and observable phenomena to explain the world.

While they didn’t deny the existence of gods outright, they rejected the idea of divine oversight. In their view, gods, if they existed, were indifferent to human affairs. This allowed people to live without fear of supernatural judgment.

This rational outlook laid the groundwork for modern scientific thought and challenges any framework demanding blind faith. Epicurus invites us to critically assess beliefs, making informed choices based on the best available evidence.

Examples

• Advances in medicine often debunk traditional “miracle cures.”
• The scientific method emphasizes hypothesis-testing over dogmas.
• Climate change science aligns with long-term observations, sidestepping political biases.

8. Pursuing Meaning Without Extremes

Epicurus encouraged people to seek personal meaning in everyday pleasures rather than through grand pursuits of power or wealth. Achievements like wars or excessive wealth accumulation often lead to harm or dissatisfaction.

Instead, living a modest, balanced life with meaningful relationships provides fulfillment. People can find purpose in smaller-scale acts, such as nurturing friendships or learning a skill.

This focus on meaningful simplicity allows people to prioritize what truly brings happiness. It also counters the pressures of a fast-paced, success-driven society.

Examples

• Acts of kindness, like mentoring someone, enrich life without material gain.
• Homesteading and self-sufficiency movements promote simple, contented living.
• Creative hobbies like painting or gardening combine passion with relaxation.

9. Embrace the Impermanence of Life

The Epicurean mindset celebrates life’s fleeting nature. Our limited time on Earth motivates us to act morally, appreciate meaningful pleasures, and live without the weight of eternity hanging over us.

Recognizing the randomness of the universe invites wonder and gratitude. While life is not cosmically significant, it is profoundly personal. This perspective combines acceptance of life’s brevity with the motivation to live it fully.

By viewing ourselves as miraculous arrangements of atoms, we can begin to see life not as insignificant, but as an extraordinary luck of the draw worth cherishing.

Examples

• Mindfulness meditation teaches presence by embracing impermanence.
• Traveling helps people experience wonder and gratitude for the world’s offerings.
• Celebrating milestones, small or large, honors transient moments.

Takeaways

1. Assess every decision by weighing short-term pain against long-term gain to lead a balanced life.
2. Regularly question beliefs, relying on evidence and reason to navigate what is true or false.
3. Find contentment in life’s small joys and nurture meaningful relationships instead of chasing societal extremes.