Happiness and Epicurus Essay examples - 1438 Words

Epicureanism is a philosophy developed the teachings and ideals of a man named Epicurus. Epicureanism is defined by Epicurus as the pleasure for the end of all morality and that real pleasure is attained through a life of prudence, honor, and justice. Epicurus introduced this philosophy around 322 B.C, and two schools established in Athens. Epicurus taught the ethics of his philosophy in his school, that a person should live by the art of making life happy, and that prudence is the noblest part of philosophy(newadvent.org). Epicurus ideals for life intrigued people and they began to think that perhaps the ethics of Epicureanism had some truth behind it; a person should live his/her life to the fullest in order to become happy. Epicurus†¦show more content†¦Thus, the Epicurean way isnt too far from todays world views on how Americans live. Thomas Jefferson, during the history of America, admitted that the teachings of Epicureanism, by saying this quote, Epicureanism and Epicu rus give laws for governing ourselves, Jesus a supplement of the duties and charities we owe to others,(epicurus.net). Through the eyes of the beholder a person can be able to see that Epicureanism, in fact, can be put into the context of life without really thinking about the philosophy. The history of Epicureanism is important for people because his teachings are simple enough to live by, without submitting. The ethics behind Epicureanism are very simple. Epicurus demonstrates that experience shows happiness is not best attained by directly seeking it. The selfish are not more happy but less so than the unselfish. This statement is very powerful for the simple person. Epicurus proves that if a person seeks to be happy he/she usually wont be able to find true happiness. Epicurus states Thus although virtue is inseparable from pleasure and necessary if we are to be happy, it is to be chosen not for its own sake but for the sake of pleasure. Beauty and the virtues and the like are to be honored if they provide pleasure, but, if they do not, we must say goodbye to them.(Intro. Epicurus, 124) HappinessShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Philosophy And Happiness By Epicurus991 Words   |  4 Pages Letter to Menoeceus by Epicurus In this piece of writing Letter to Menoeceus, Epicurus highly emphasized on the importance of philosophy and happiness. To begin with, he encouraged people of all ages, whether young or old, to study philosophy in order to develop better understanding of what desires to fulfill. By philosophy, Epicurus meant a state of mind, based on a realistic worldview that, if its implications were understood, would free people’s minds from superstitious fear and moral anxietyRead MoreAll Great Minds Think Alike...Sometimes Essay1182 Words   |  5 Pagescase of great minds like Epicurus (342 – 270 B.C.E.) and Epictetus (50 – 130 C.E.), the road toward their common goal differed. Both Epicurus and Epictetus believe that it is in human nature to seek out pleasure and that happiness implicates serenity. However, Epicurus differs from Epictetus in that Epicurus does not believe that it is the virtues that bring about happiness, but rather, one’s own pleasure. While both Epicurus and Epictetus confer their opinions on happiness, it is consequently apparentRead MoreWhat Makes The Pill?864 Words   |  4 PagesThese are some scenario’s that have a higher chance of occurring if I were to take the happiness pill. Therefore, I have decided not to take the pill because according to Epicurus there are three influences that determine your happiness and being being blinded by the truth is not one of them. The truth in this case, is more important to me. Epicurus was one of the only philosophers to figure out what happiness was and knew we all were capable of finding it. He says we are all looking in the wrongRead MoreThe Is A Philosophical Theme Taught By Epicurus1306 Words   |  6 PagesEpicureanism is a philosophical theme taught by Epicurus, this theme that stresses the goal of a joyful and a pleasurable life. In the Hellenistic Age, epicureanism was extremely influential. Epicurus, the founder of Epicureanism, is best known for his different personality, unlike all the other ancient philosophers, excluding Socrates (O Keefe). Epicurus accumulated a group of disciples and taught them, after that he became known as the â€Å"philosophy of the Garden.† The wisdom theory, epicureanismRead MoreEpicurus And John Stuart Mill967 Words   |  4 Pageslife. They all included the concepts of pleasure and happiness to some extent in their theories, but they all approached the ideas in different ways. The two hedonists we studie d, Epicurus and John Stuart Mill, place heavy emphasis on the importance of pleasure. They both believe that pleasure is a necessity in the ideal life. Jean Kazez agreed with their viewpoints in her theory and said that happiness was a necessity for a good life. Epicurus and Mill also argue that there is nothing else thatRead MoreAristotle s Views On Teachings And Beliefs Of Philosophy1466 Words   |  6 PagesEpicurus is a well-known ancient Greek philosopher who has had a remarkable impact on teachings and beliefs of Philosophy. His goal was to teach all people to find happiness by following his way of life. To this day, there are still many that follow the beliefs of Epicurus. I see some of his beliefs positively and others seem unnecessary. Epicurus did not believe in the supernatural. His beliefs were more about physics, logic, and ethics. To him everything experienced in life happens naturallyRead MoreThe Nature of Death Essay1508 Words   |  7 Pagesregarding the abstract idea of death. Two Hellenistic philosophers Epicurus and Epictetus take very different approaches to prove that death is insignificant and nothing to worry about. Epicurus argues that death is the unequivocal end of our existence, and Epictetus claims it is something that we have no control over. Both examine the nature of death in an attempt to achieve ataraxia or a tranquil state of mind. However, Epicurus and Epictetus fail to address the true emotional nature of death andRead MoreEpicurean Philosophy and its Effects on the World Essay1095 Words   |  5 Pagesvariety that it seemed difficult to choose a path. The founder of Epicureanism, Epicurus, had great contributions to peoples’ finding of a way to live. Epicurus was born in 341 B.C. on the island of Samos. His parents, Neocles and Chaerestrate were among the Athenians who moved to settle in Samos. Epicurus’ father was a schoolmaster, which gave the child his earliest education. It is told that at an early age Epicurus was remarkably curious and independent in his views. At age fourteen he beganRead MoreAristotle s Views On Happiness999 Words   |  4 PagesAristotle, Epicurus, Epictetus, Boethius, Augustine, and Aquinas connected on writing about the phenomenon of human happiness. Through these philosophers, various ideologies on happiness gets to be distinctly conceivable for one to distinguish and recognize the difference between what people think or feel happiness is and what the true state of happiness is. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle said happiness is the value and reason for every good thing, so happiness is deserving of respect. ForRead More Epicurus Essay1095 Words   |  5 PagesEpicurus Epicurus was a philosopher who was believed to be the one with all the answers to life. He encouraged the Ideal of Good Life, to live simple lives by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Epicurus views worries as unnecessary and unnatural desires. If these desires are avoided, he believes that all worries will be eliminated. Epicurus metaphysical theory was based on Democrituss view of atoms. They were monists who believed all is matter, the soul is equivalent to the mind and