Living for Pleasure by Emily A. Austin – An Epicurean Guide to Happiness | Hacker News Reader

Living for Pleasure by Emily A. Austin – An Epicurean Guide to Happiness

theguardian.com

36 pointsCaiero7 comments

> The Stoics tell us that the only thing that matters is virtue, we should be indifferent when loved ones die, and that the universe works providentially, so ultimately nothing in it is bad.

No, they don’t. What they tell is to not overreact about these things since they’re all part of life.

That’s why I think people should avoid reading contemporary authors writing about ancient philosophy without having read the originals first.

Yeah, it's annoying to see these quick takes by "contemporary authors". Although, the above caricature on virtue can be somewhat forgiven—we do see a constant riffing on "virtue is the highest good"; "virtue is its own reward" in the Stoic literature, particularly by Seneca in his various poetic phrasings.

If anyone wants to actually know what the Stoics say, there's no escaping the originals. An excellent English translation is critical. FWIW, I've posted a list of high-quality English translations by scholars who have immersed themselves in these works here[1] in the past.

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22990579

Yep, I don't think any of these "Epicurians" read Epicurus either, it has to be one of the most abused philosophical term

First, to understand what Epicurus said, I strongly recommend "On the Nature of things" by Lucretius. It's a beautiful (and poetic) work on the core ideas of Epicurus.

Second, a small nit-pick on the subtitle of the article: while Epicurus was a "rival" to the Stoics in a broad sense, Seneca (the Stoic writer) incessantly quotes Epicurus in his first 20 letters. Seneca even explicitly says he's "lifting from another's garden", where the "garden" is the reference to Epicurus (his school in Athens used to be located in a garden).

Lastly, there's the big caricature that the "Epicurean life" == unalloyed pleasure (which often implies "base pleasures"). However, as the introduction to On the Nature of Things says, "nobody was less of an epicure than Epicurus himself". Epicurus valued friendship and contemplative virtues a lot more.

According to Epicurus: “Pleasure is the beginning and the goal of a happy life”

The school of philosophy aka Epicureanism was started on donation from wealthy people because they resonated with it. He spent all the money in setting up the school to promote happiness.

It was one of the first school which was co-ed, male and females both admitted and encouraged to live and study pleasure.

Spreading rumors were part of our older society as well and regular leaks were common, some related to stories around sexual encounters and others on the day to day functioning of the institute.

Despite all this Epicurus popularity and teaching only grew more.

Two key questions that was asked or enquired were:

    What will make me happy?
    What will make me healthy?

It should not come as a surprise to us but Epicurus belief had significant inspiration from Socrates.

Once Epicurus asked his friend “Send me a pot of Cheese, so that i may have a feast whenever i like.” Isn’t it surprising, a teacher of pleasure having such simple eating habit?

Epicurus observed that pleasure has few simple ingredients: Friendship

Epicurus observed that centre of happiness is having company of great friends. He once said “Feeding without friend is the life of LION or a WOLF.

Later in his life, he moved on the outskirts of Athens bought a big house and stayed rest of his life there with company of his close friends.

    True friends are like parents, who are not going to judge you on who and how you look but be there for you as who u are.
    Having true friends worth more than fortune.

Freedom

We must have freedom to choose course of our life. We don’t have to work or listen to people whom we don’t like. Thought

Our thoughts defines and brings misery or pleasure to us. Keeping a rational and self analyzed view will be a good way to get over the anxiety about money, wealth and other things.

Reference: The Consolations of Philosophy

> Unnatural and unnecessary desires, such as for wealth, power, fame or eternal life, are considered “corrosive”, to be avoided like the plague.

I used to think like this and it didn't make me happy. Turns out the things that are unnatural and unnecessary are also the most glorious.

> It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.

They all arent things that will ever be able to satisfy you, but only cause you to strive for more wealth, more power, more fame. Glory is fleeting and useless, so why even bother?

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