Epicurus of Samos was born in 341 BCE and developed a philosophical thought asserting that pleasure is the only good that our nature aspires to and, therefore, the source of happiness.

He founded a school on the outskirts of Athens called “The Garden,” open even to women and slaves. The school, more like a small garden away from the city, offered tranquility that facilitated reflection, the cultivation of friendship, and the enjoyment of conversation and nature, while disregarding politics, which he saw as a constant source of worry that prevents one from achieving happiness.

His philosophy centers on the pursuit of pleasure—a calm and lasting pleasure that stems from moderation and wisdom, enabling a state of physical and mental equilibrium and harmony. However, this is not about hedonistic, fleeting, or excessive pleasure, as such excesses lead to pain and disturbance.

The greatest obstacle to achieving happiness, according to Epicurus, is fear, which must be overcome through understanding the consequences of our actions:

• Fear of the gods: Epicureans encourage us not to fear the gods, as they do not believe the gods are concerned with earthly matters. This frees individuals from worries about punishment or reward in an afterlife, allowing them to focus on happiness in this life.
• Fear of death: For them, fear of death is senseless since they do not believe in life after death. As Epicurus famously stated, “While we are, death is not present; and when death is present, we are not.”
• Fear of pain: For Epicureans, pleasure is the absence of pain. Pain is avoided through moderation and prudence—for example, while drugs might provide great pleasure, they ultimately lead to death.

Epicurus distinguished between natural and necessary pleasures, such as food, water, and shelter, and unnecessary or vain pleasures, such as great wealth and power, which only generate anxiety and dissatisfaction and thus prevent happiness. (“The more you have, the more you want.”)

He also proposed a theory of knowledge based on the senses and the direct perception of reality, though he warned of the possibility that the senses might deceive us. He advocated for prudence and caution when interpreting sensory experiences.

In essence, Epicureans seek happiness through the moderate enjoyment of life’s pleasures, while cultivating friendship and wisdom. They advocate for a life of balance and harmony in which pleasure becomes a natural consequence of living in accordance with nature and in peace with oneself.

Documented in collaboration with Teresa Mencos Valdés.
Created by Sofía Crespi de Valldaura.

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