“So we must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.”
- Epicurus
Epicurus measures life in terms of pleasure and pain. He seems to write that pleasure isn’t necessarily something in and of itself, but more the absence of pain. Upon first glance, the Epicurean philosophy may seem somewhat hedonistic, but I don’t believe this to be so. In Epicurus’ “Letter to Menoeceus” he warns of overindulging in pleasures, because that often later leads to pain. As a college student, the first and most common example that comes to mind would be a hangover.
It appears quite difficult to lead an Epicurean life. Epicurus writes that “it takes sober reasoning, searching out the grounds of every choice and avoidance, and banishing those beliefs through which the greatest disturbances take possession of the soul.” It seems that every choice must be weighed out and deliberated before taking action. It doesn’t seem to be a way of life that can just be taken up on a whim. One must be schooled in Epicurean thought in order to make the choices in a timely manner. If not, one may waste the better part of their life debating the consequences of their actions, rather than taking them.
Similar to my opinion on Epictetus’ way of life, the Epicurean life seems to be a good starting point, with seeking what is truly pleasurable and avoiding what is painful, but doesn’t seem to paint a completely satisfactory view of a good life.
David, I don't quite see what you think the failings are of the Epicurean way. If we identify pleasure with happiness and joy, what would be lacking in a truly Epicurean life?
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