Unit II
IN THIS LESSON
In the Garden, Epicurus taught that happiness is simpler than we think—and closer than we imagine.
Topics discussed:
The Four-Part Cure—Epicurus’ compact prescription for a peaceful life
Pleasure and the Good Life—Understanding katastematic vs. kinetic pleasures
Empty Desires and Quiet Joys—How to escape the traps of social ambition and luxury
Friendship, Death, and the Gods—Replacing fear with clarity and connection
Living Like Epicurus—Why wine, a warm bath, and a few good friends might be all you need
Focus Questions
Why does Epicurus think that most people misunderstand what brings true happiness?
How does Epicurean philosophy challenge other philosophical systems we’v’e covered?
What’s the difference between kinetic and katastematic pleasure, and why does it matter?
How does Epicureanism challenge traditional views on death, divinity, and desire?
Why might Epicurus argue against ambition or public life?
What role does friendship play in Epicurean philosophy—and how does it compare to romantic love?
Glossary
Philosophical Terms & Concepts
Epicurus – Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE) who founded a school known as The Garden in Athens. He developed a philosophy aimed at achieving tranquility (ataraxia) and freedom from suffering through rational understanding of nature and modest pleasure.
The Garden – The communal philosophical school Epicurus founded on the outskirts of Athens. It was inclusive of women and slaves and emphasized friendship, privacy, and philosophical conversation as the key ingredients for happiness.
Hedonism – The view that pleasure is the highest good. Epicurus adopted a moderate version, arguing that mental peace and freedom from pain were the best pleasures—not indulgence in luxury or excess.
Katastematic Pleasure – The calm, stable pleasure that arises from the absence of pain and mental disturbance. This was considered the highest form of pleasure by Epicurus.
Kinetic Pleasure – Pleasures experienced through activity or movement, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in conversation. Kinetic pleasures are real but often fleeting or mixed with pain and longing.
Ataraxia – A Greek term meaning undisturbedness or tranquility of the soul. For Epicureans, this was the ultimate state of happiness—freedom from fear, anxiety, and disturbance.
Cradle Argument – Epicurus’ idea that infants show, through their natural reactions, that pleasure is the innate good. Even before socialization, humans seek comfort and avoid pain.
Empty Desires – Desires based on false beliefs or societal influence, such as the seeking after fame, luxury, or immortality; these often lead to anxiety or dissatisfaction. These are contrasted with natural and necessary desires.
Natural and Necessary Desires – Basic needs such as food, water, safety, and friendship. These are easy to satisfy and directly tied to genuine happiness.
Quietism – The Epicurean idea that one should live a quiet, private life, avoiding public ambition or political entanglements, which often bring stress and instability.
Memorization and Meditation – Core spiritual practices in Epicureanism. Followers memorized short sayings (like the “Four-Part Cure”) and reflected on them daily to internalize the philosophy.
Epicurean Physics – A naturalistic and atomistic view of the universe, derived from Democritus. Everything consists of atoms and void, and there is no supernatural interference in nature or human affairs.
Irreligion – Not necessarily atheism, but the rejection of traditional religious fears and myths—especially fear of divine punishment or an afterlife.
Lucretius – A Roman poet and philosopher (1st c. BCE) who presented Epicurean thought in his poem De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things), defending atomism, free will, and the nonexistence of divine intervention.
Words You Might Not Know
Atomism – The philosophical theory that all matter is made up of tiny, indivisible components (atoms). Epicureans believed the soul and even the gods were made of atoms.
Superstition – Belief in supernatural causes or beings, often associated with irrational fear. Epicureans saw superstition as a major source of human anxiety.
Asceticism – A lifestyle of extreme self-denial. Although Epicureans promoted moderation, they were not ascetics; they believed in enjoying simple pleasures.
Indulgence – The act of giving in to one’s desires, especially for luxury or excess. Epicurus warned that unchecked indulgence often brings pain and dissatisfaction.
Anxiety – A state of unease or worry. For Epicurus, anxiety is the main enemy of happiness—and it often stems from false beliefs.
Tranquility – A state of calm or peace. This is the central aim of Epicurean ethics: a mind free from fear and a body free from pain.
Decadence – Excessive indulgence in luxury or sensual pleasure. Often wrongly associated with Epicureanism by critics and opponents.
Therapy (Philosophical) – In ancient philosophy, a “therapy of the soul” refers to using philosophy as a practical guide for living well and eliminating suffering.
Detachment – Emotional distance or disinterest. Epicureans practiced detachment from things that do not contribute to lasting peace of mind.
For other questions…
Further Reading
Brad Inwood and Lloyd P. Gerson (Eds.), The Epicurus Reader
Catherine Wilson, How to Be an Epicurean: The Ancient Art of Living Well
Stephen Greenblatt, The Swerve: How the World Became Modern
John M. Cooper, Pursuits of Wisdom: Six Ways of Life in Ancient Philosophy from Socrates to Plotinus
Julia Annas, The Morality of Happiness
Peter Thonemann, The Hellenistic Age: A Very Short Introduction
Pierre Hadot, Philosophy As A Way of Life: Spiritual Exercises from Socrates to Foucault