Become Happy
The Wisdom of Epicureanism: Pursuing Happiness Through Simplicity and Balance.
In the pursuit of happiness, people often look to material wealth, social status, or fleeting pleasures, only to find themselves unfulfilled. But over two thousand years ago, the philosopher Epicurus proposed a radically different approach to living a happy and fulfilling life. His philosophy, **Epicureanism**, offers timeless wisdom on how to achieve true happiness by focusing on simplicity, friendship, and the pursuit of inner peace.
In this post, we’ll explore the principles of Epicureanism, how it differs from other schools of thought like Stoicism, and how we can apply its teachings in our everyday lives.
Who Was Epicurus?
Epicurus (341–270 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded a school of thought centered on the pursuit of pleasure, though not in the hedonistic sense we often associate with the term today. Instead of advocating for indulgence in sensory pleasures, Epicurus taught that true pleasure comes from living a life of moderation, tranquility, and freedom from unnecessary desires.
He believed that by eliminating fear (especially the fear of death and divine retribution) and understanding the natural limits of our desires, we could achieve a state of lasting happiness known as **ataraxia**, or unshakable peace of mind.
Key Principles of Epicureanism
Epicureanism revolves around a few central ideas, all aimed at achieving a balanced and fulfilled life:
1. The Pursuit of Pleasure (But the Right Kind)
Epicurus taught that the ultimate goal of life is to attain pleasure, but he defined pleasure in a very specific way. Rather than indulgence in fleeting, material pleasures, Epicurus advocated for mental pleasure—the absence of pain and distress. He argued that the greatest pleasures in life come from simple things: meaningful conversations, time spent with loved ones, and the joy of a calm mind.
Epicureans divide pleasures into three categories:
- Natural and Necessary Pleasures: These include basic needs like food, water, shelter, and friendship. Fulfilling these leads to happiness and well-being.
- Natural but Unnecessary Pleasures: These are luxuries, like gourmet food or lavish clothes, which can be enjoyed but are not essential to happiness.
- Unnatural and Unnecessary Pleasures: Desires for things like fame, power, or excessive wealth, which only lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.
Key Takeaway: The more we focus on natural and necessary pleasures and reduce our desire for unnecessary ones, the closer we get to true happiness.
2. The Importance of Friendship
For Epicurus, friendship was one of life’s greatest pleasures and an essential part of happiness. In fact, he valued friendship so highly that he lived communally with his students and friends in a small community known as “The Garden.”
Epicureans believed that good friends provide support, joy, and security. In a world that was often unstable and unpredictable, Epicurus saw friendship as a source of stability and contentment, a refuge from life’s troubles.
Key Takeaway: Prioritize meaningful relationships over material possessions. Deep connections with others will enrich your life far more than chasing after status or wealth.
3. Freedom from Fear (Especially the Fear of Death)
Epicurus believed that one of the greatest sources of human suffering was fear—particularly fear of death and the gods. He argued that the fear of death is irrational, because when we die, we no longer exist and therefore cannot experience pain or suffering.
He famously said, "Death is nothing to us, because when we exist, death is not, and when death exists, we are not.” By realizing that death is merely the end of sensation, Epicurus freed his followers from the anxiety that comes with fearing the inevitable.
Additionally, he taught that the gods, if they exist, are not concerned with human affairs, and therefore we should not fear divine punishment.
Key Takeaway: By confronting and understanding our fears—particularly the fear of death—we can live more fully in the present, without the burden of anxiety about things we cannot control.
4. Living Modestly
Epicureanism emphasizes the importance of moderation and simplicity. While many people in today’s world are driven by consumerism and the pursuit of material goods, Epicurus taught that a simple life is more likely to lead to happiness. Living modestly doesn’t mean depriving oneself; it means focusing on what is truly necessary and avoiding excess, which often leads to stress and dissatisfaction.
Epicurus himself lived a life of simplicity, with his community often sharing meals of bread, water, and basic foods. This minimalist approach allowed them to focus on intellectual pursuits and friendship, rather than being distracted by the complexities of wealth and luxury.
Key Takeaway: The simpler your life, the less anxiety and distraction you will have. Focus on what really matters, and avoid excess that complicates your happiness.
Real-Life Applications of Epicureanism
To better understand how Epicurean philosophy can be applied today, let’s explore some real-life examples:
1. Warren Buffett: Simplicity and Fulfillment
Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest people in the world, is known for living a surprisingly simple and frugal lifestyle. Despite his massive fortune, Buffett has famously lived in the same modest house in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1958. He avoids extravagant spending and focuses on what brings him true satisfaction: his work, his family, and meaningful interactions with others.
In many ways, Buffett exemplifies Epicurus' teachings by recognizing that happiness does not come from wealth or luxury, but from doing what you love and cultivating deep relationships.
Key Takeaway: Even in a world of material abundance, living simply and focusing on meaningful experiences can lead to greater contentment.
2. Minimalism: Modern Epicureanism
The modern minimalist movement, popularized by figures like Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), closely mirrors Epicurean philosophy. Minimalists focus on reducing excess in their lives — decluttering their homes, eliminating unnecessary possessions, and concentrating on what truly brings happiness: relationships, personal growth, and meaningful experiences.
By cutting out material distractions, minimalists are able to focus on the "natural and necessary pleasures" that Epicurus advocated for, leading to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
Key Takeaway: Epicureanism’s focus on simplicity and moderation resonates with modern minimalist practices. By focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest, we can lead happier, more intentional lives.
3. Epicureanism in Daily Life: The Power of Small Pleasures
Consider someone like Sarah, a working professional who found herself constantly stressed by the demands of her job and life in a busy city. Feeling burned out, she decided to simplify her life, inspired by Epicurean principles. She began prioritizing quality time with close friends, taking daily walks in nature, and finding joy in simple things like a quiet morning cup of tea or reading a good book.
By cutting out unnecessary commitments and reducing her material desires, Sarah found a new sense of peace and fulfillment. She learned that true happiness wasn’t about the next promotion or the latest gadget, but about enjoying the present moment and focusing on what really matters.
Key Takeaway: You don’t have to radically change your life to embrace Epicureanism. Start by appreciating the small, everyday pleasures and reducing the stressors that don’t align with your values.
Epicureanism vs. Stoicism
Though both Stoicism and Epicureanism aim for tranquility and happiness, they approach it differently:
- Stoicism emphasizes controlling our reactions to external events and accepting fate, regardless of our circumstances. It’s about developing mental fortitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Epicureanism, on the other hand, focuses on avoiding pain and distress by seeking modest pleasures and reducing unnecessary desires. It is more focused on living quietly, fostering friendships, and eliminating anxiety.
While Stoicism encourages embracing discomfort and adversity with strength, Epicureanism promotes living in ways that **minimize discomfort** altogether by living simply and cultivating inner peace.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Epicureanism
Epicureanism offers a refreshingly simple and practical approach to happiness that stands in stark contrast to today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world. By prioritizing meaningful relationships, appreciating simple pleasures, and living without fear of death or divine punishment, we can cultivate a deep sense of tranquility and fulfillment.
As Epicurus himself said, *It is not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance.” By focusing on the essentials of life and minimizing our desires, we can unlock the true pleasures that lead to lasting happiness.
So, whether you’re looking to reduce stress, simplify your life, or deepen your connections with others, the wisdom of Epicureanism offers valuable insights for living a balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.