The Garden of Epicurus
The anatomy of desire
Friendship over stuff
The misunderstood legacy
YOUR GOAL
Master of Epicurus on real pleasure
artiteacher The Anatomy of Desire
A pot of cheese, a pot of cheese, with some bread we have a feast!
artiteacher Luxuries like expensive food, fine clothes, or fine art are pleasant but not essential for maintaining a happy life.
artiteacher These are basic physical requirements like simple food, water, shelter, and friendship that keep us alive and free from physical pain.
artiteacher Weed out luxury wants from your garden to learn how to be happy with less.
The pain rule: Epicurus believed that severe physical pain is usually brief, while chronic pain is mild enough to be balanced by pleasant mental memories.
A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. Epicurus categorized this feeling into three distinct types to help ancient Athenians find happiness with fewer possessions.
What did Epicurus argue happens to our happiness once basic physical pain is removed?
According to Epicurean philosophy, which of these is considered a "natural and necessary" desire?
Why did Epicurus believe that unnatural desires like fame can never be satisfied?
What Greek term did Epicurus use to describe the state of mental tranquility and freedom from anxiety?