Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Epicurean LifestyleKey Beliefs of EpicureanismEpicureanism and the Unhappiness CureEpicureanism in Modern Living
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Table of Contents
The Epicurean Lifestyle
Key Beliefs of Epicureanism
Epicureanism and the Unhappiness Cure
Epicureanism in Modern Living
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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. Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived between 341 BC and 270 BC, was one of the great minds to focus on this concept.
Epicurus agreed with other philosophers that happiness is our ultimate human pursuit. However, he suggested something very different than others had proposed regarding how that might look in our decision-making and behaviors.
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 GlanceEpicureanism suggests finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. This includes finding a sense of community and practicing moderation, virtue, and temperance. In modern life, this translates to minimalism, living modestly, saving money, reframing negative thoughts, and focusing on positivity. Keep reading to learn more about the components of Epicureanism that contribute to happiness, the core Epicurean beliefs, and tips on how to incorporate elements of Epicurean philosophy into your own life.
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. In modern life, this translates to minimalism, living modestly, saving money, reframing negative thoughts, and focusing on positivity. Keep reading to learn more about the components of Epicureanism that contribute to happiness, the core Epicurean beliefs, and tips on how to incorporate elements of Epicurean philosophy into your own life.
To experience tranquility, Epicurus suggested that we could seek knowledge of how the world works and limit our desires.For him, the pleasure was to be obtained through things such as:
The term temperate, as in living a temperate life, means a mild or modest style. So, although he suggested we are motivated to seek pleasure, Epicurus had a much different idea of what that looked like in daily living.
Epicurus' perspective and teaching has been referred to as “serene hedonism.”
Epicurus held thoughts on pleasure, desires, lifestyle, and more when it came to achieving happiness.
Happiness
There are three states Epicurus considered to constitute happiness.
Factors for HappinessTranquilityFreedom fromfear(ataraxia)Absence of bodily pain (aponia)
Factors for Happiness
TranquilityFreedom fromfear(ataraxia)Absence of bodily pain (aponia)
It is this combination of factors that would, ultimately, allow people to experience happiness at the highest level. Although it may seem impossible to attain or sustain, there are people who follow epicurean beliefs and seek to experience this level of happiness in their lives.
There is one factor that Epicurus suggested has the power to destroy pleasure, which isanxiety about our future. Although he suggested this has more to do with not fearing gods or death, the idea that we would be fearful about anything in our future was considered an obstacle to our experience of pleasure, tranquility, and happiness.
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Pleasure and Pain
Epicurus identified two types of pleasure, moving and static, and described two areas of pleasure and pain: physical and mental.
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.
The other type of pleasure, static pleasure, refers to the experience we have once our desire is met. To use the example of eating food when we are hungry, the static pleasure would be what we are feeling once we have eaten. The satisfaction of feeling full, and no longer being in need (hungry), would be a static 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.
Examples of this could include positivememoriesof past events or experiences that bring us feelings of joy or pleasure or, conversely, unpleasant memories of our past that bring us pain. When looking to the future we can feel hopeful or fearful, experiencing either pleasure or pain about what is to come.
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.
Epicurus believed that connection with friends offered a sense of safety, whereas lack of connection can lead toisolation, despair, and peril.
Although our modern culture tends to emphasize the idea ofindividualisticliving, where being self-contained and not reliant on others may be perceived as a strength, Epicureans believe that strength is found in connection and friendship with others.
Courage was a highly regarded virtue for Epicurus as well. With regard to friendship, he even suggested that one should be courageous enough to lay down one’s life for a friend.
RecapEpicureanism suggests that happiness requires tranquility, freedom from fear, and the absence of pain. Friendship and connection are also vital.
Recap
Epicureanism suggests that happiness requires tranquility, freedom from fear, and the absence of pain. Friendship and connection are also vital.
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 CureGod is nothing to fear.Death is nothing to worry about.It is easy to acquire the good things in life.It is easy to endure the terrible things.
4-Part Unhappiness Cure
God is nothing to fear.Death is nothing to worry about.It is easy to acquire the good things in life.It is easy to endure the terrible things.
Epicurus does not suggest that pain is completely avoidable. However, he does suggest that pain can be endured and we can even strive to experience happiness while in emotional or physical pain.
Epicurus advised, “Meditate on these [four statements] day and night, and the ones related to them, both alone and with someone like yourself, and you will never be badly disturbed, whether awake or dreaming.”
He emphasized focusing on these statements to challenge fears,reframe thoughts, and gain a new perspective to continue seeking happiness and tranquility. Epicurus also stated to do this throughmeditationwith like-minded people.
Life is uncertain and we cannot, ultimately, avoid pain orvulnerability. We will encounter both as part of our human experience. Living positively and seeking to maintain a sense of peace, happiness, and tranquility can still be a driving desire as we go through our life experiences.
While the Epicurean philosophy suggests that the goal of life is happiness, it also recognizes that sometimes pleasure can lead to pain and that sometimes pain is necessary in order to achieve happiness.
This may mean that wedeclutter our living environment; rid ourselves of expectations; stop attaching happiness to things like status, wealth, or fame, and reframe our limiting beliefs.
Minimalism
As Epicurus suggested, freedom from unnecessary possessions allows greater freedom of fear, freedom from worry, freedom from depression or regret, and freedom from expectations.
Minimalists Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus write, “Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what is important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”
As Epicurus proposed, an element of happiness is “ataraxia,” which means freedom from fear or worry. 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. Because this philosophy stresses that happiness often comes from simple pleasures, it is possible to find joy without spending a great deal of money.
According to the Epicurean perspective, something that is pleasurable may actually become less enjoyable if it comes at a significant cost. For example, you might enjoy driving a brand-new, luxury SUV, but the hefty price tag associated with it may end up canceling out much of your pleasure.
Reframing Thoughts
Reframing how you look at the things that make you happy can also be helpful. When someone asks you what happiness looks like, you may easily come up with an image of financial resources, a certain appearance, particular items such as a car or home, vacations, time with friends or family, a specific career, etc.
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Find and Focus on Positivity
Focusing on more positive thoughts can also play a role in improving happiness. Research has shown that people who experience positive thoughts more often have better mental well-being and are more resilient to stress.
How to Think More PositivelyStrategies like these may help you maintain a more positive mindset:Confront negative thoughtsCultivate a positive environmentDiscover positivity in negative situationsHave a positive postureKeep a positivity journalLearn to deal with criticismMake use ofpositive affirmationsPracticegratitudePracticemindfulnessand meditationRid your life of sources of negativitySlow down
How to Think More Positively
Strategies like these may help you maintain a more positive mindset:Confront negative thoughtsCultivate a positive environmentDiscover positivity in negative situationsHave a positive postureKeep a positivity journalLearn to deal with criticismMake use ofpositive affirmationsPracticegratitudePracticemindfulnessand meditationRid your life of sources of negativitySlow down
Strategies like these may help you maintain a more positive mindset:
There are a variety of ways to begin practicing a moreoptimistic, hopeful way of thinking and being. As you consider your own sources of happiness, your own values, and your given strengths to help you fulfill your desires and needs, you may find unique ways to express positivity in your life.
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Keep a Balanced Perspective
As you take inventory of your personal beliefs about happiness and how these compare to Epicurean beliefs about happiness, it might be interesting to reflect on some the ideas and quotes that are often associated with Epicurus. You may have heard or read these before, but they can certainly spark personal reflection on living a balanced life:
RecapEpicureanism may be an ancient philosophy, but it can be applied to modern life as well. Minimalism, moderation, simple pleasures,cognitive reframing, and positive thinking are all strategies that can help you incorporate an Epicurean perspective into your everyday life.
Epicureanism may be an ancient philosophy, but it can be applied to modern life as well. Minimalism, moderation, simple pleasures,cognitive reframing, and positive thinking are all strategies that can help you incorporate an Epicurean perspective into your everyday life.
Keep in Mind
It might seem a bit unrealistic to think that we could ever be consistently happy, given the challenges and adventures that life can throw our way. However, we can make a point to seek pleasure and comfort, particularly when faced with challenges.
Find sources of information and inspiration that speak to you, your beliefs, your desires, and your purpose. Allow yourself an opportunity to discover what happiness is to you and how togo about achieving that in your life.
Take time to examine what you can be doing differently in your life on a daily basis that will allow you to experience greater happiness and freedom. Find something that works for you, whether you use Epicurus' ideas for finding happiness or find a different strategy.
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6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Epicurus.Konstan D.Epicurus.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Mitsis P.Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism. Oxford University Press.Millburn JF, Nicodemus R.Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. Asymmetrical Press.Taherkhani Z, Kaveh MH, Mani A, Ghahremani L, Khademi K.The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3478. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30684-yDatu JAD, Valdez JPM, McInerney DM, Cayubit RF.The effects of gratitude and kindness on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID-19 anxiety: An online pilot experimental study.Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022;14(2):347-361. doi:10.1111/aphw.12306
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Epicurus.Konstan D.Epicurus.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Mitsis P.Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism. Oxford University Press.Millburn JF, Nicodemus R.Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. Asymmetrical Press.Taherkhani Z, Kaveh MH, Mani A, Ghahremani L, Khademi K.The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3478. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30684-yDatu JAD, Valdez JPM, McInerney DM, Cayubit RF.The effects of gratitude and kindness on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID-19 anxiety: An online pilot experimental study.Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022;14(2):347-361. doi:10.1111/aphw.12306
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Epicurus.Konstan D.Epicurus.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Mitsis P.Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism. Oxford University Press.Millburn JF, Nicodemus R.Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. Asymmetrical Press.Taherkhani Z, Kaveh MH, Mani A, Ghahremani L, Khademi K.The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3478. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30684-yDatu JAD, Valdez JPM, McInerney DM, Cayubit RF.The effects of gratitude and kindness on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID-19 anxiety: An online pilot experimental study.Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022;14(2):347-361. doi:10.1111/aphw.12306
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.Epicurus.
Konstan D.Epicurus.The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Mitsis P.Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism. Oxford University Press.
Millburn JF, Nicodemus R.Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. Asymmetrical Press.
Taherkhani Z, Kaveh MH, Mani A, Ghahremani L, Khademi K.The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3478. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30684-y
Datu JAD, Valdez JPM, McInerney DM, Cayubit RF.The effects of gratitude and kindness on life satisfaction, positive emotions, negative emotions, and COVID-19 anxiety: An online pilot experimental study.Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022;14(2):347-361. doi:10.1111/aphw.12306
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