In Pursuit of Pleasure

Epicurus defined philosophy as a daily business of speech and thought to secure happiness, which he believed could be achieved by pursuing pleasure. This volume contains Baileys masterly translations of Epicurus' most important surviving writing, offering a comprehensive overview of Epicurean ethics and his philosophy on what matters in life and how we should live.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Aiora Press

Greek philosopher Epicurus defined philosophy as a daily business of speech and thought to secure happiness. He believed happiness to be the goal of human life and thought it could be achieved by pursuing pleasure. However, the Epicurean philosophy was then and still is now often erroneously interpreted as promoting hedonism. Rather, Epicurus considered pleasure to be connected to virtue, not excess or sensual self-indulgence. This volume contains Cyril Bailey's masterful, classic translations of the most important surviving writing of Epicurus -- the Letter to Menoeceus, the Principal Doctrines, and the Vatican Sayings -- and offers the contemporary reader a comprehensive overview of Epicurean ethics, his philosophy on what matters in life and how we should live.

Epicurus, a renowned Greek philosopher, viewed philosophy as a continuous pursuit of happiness through speech and thought. He firmly believed that happiness was the ultimate purpose of human existence and believed that it could be attained by seeking pleasure. However, it is important to note that the Epicurean philosophy has often been misunderstood as advocating hedonism. In reality, Epicurus regarded pleasure as a means to cultivate virtue rather than an excessive or sensual indulgence.

This volume, containing Cyril Bailey's masterful translations of the most significant surviving works of Epicurus, including the Letter to Menoeceus, the Principal Doctrines, and the Vatican Sayings, provides a comprehensive exploration of Epicurean ethics. It offers the contemporary reader a deep understanding of Epicurus' philosophy on what truly matters in life and provides guidance on how to live a fulfilling and virtuous existence.

Epicurus believed that pleasure was not an end in itself but a means to achieve happiness. He argued that pleasure was derived from the absence of pain and the satisfaction of our natural desires. He believed that by living a life of moderation and avoiding excess, we could cultivate a sense of contentment and happiness that would endure throughout our lives.

Epicurus also emphasized the importance of friendship and social interaction in achieving happiness. He believed that human beings are social creatures and that genuine happiness comes from cultivating meaningful relationships with others. He encouraged individuals to prioritize their relationships with family, friends, and fellow citizens and to avoid unnecessary conflicts and rivalries that could lead to unhappiness.

In addition to pleasure and friendship, Epicurus also emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life. He believed that virtue was the key to achieving happiness and that by living a life of moral integrity and self-control, we could cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. He emphasized the importance of living according to nature, following the laws of physics, and seeking harmony with the world around us.

Epicurus' philosophy on pleasure and virtue has had a profound impact on Western thought and culture. His emphasis on the importance of living a life of moderation and avoiding excess has influenced many philosophical movements, including Stoicism and Utilitarianism. His belief in the connection between pleasure and virtue has also inspired countless individuals to seek a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Despite its enduring influence, Epicurus' philosophy has faced criticism and misunderstanding throughout history. Some have accused him of promoting a selfish and hedonistic lifestyle, while others have misinterpreted his emphasis on pleasure as an endorsement of sensual self-indulgence. However, it is important to recognize that Epicurus' philosophy is nuanced and complex, and that his views on pleasure and virtue are deeply rooted in his belief in the pursuit of happiness and the cultivation of virtue.

In conclusion, Greek philosopher Epicurus defined philosophy as a daily business of speech and thought to secure happiness. He believed that happiness was the goal of human life and that pleasure could be achieved by pursuing virtue rather than excess or sensual self-indulgence. This volume, containing Cyril Bailey's masterful translations of the most important surviving works of Epicurus, provides a comprehensive overview of Epicurean ethics and offers guidance on how to live a fulfilling and virtuous existence. Epicurus' philosophy on pleasure and virtue has had a profound impact on Western thought and culture, and his emphasis on the importance of living a life of moderation and avoiding excess has influenced many philosophical movements. Despite facing criticism and misunderstanding throughout history, Epicurus' philosophy remains a valuable source of wisdom and inspiration for individuals seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Dimension: 165 x 120 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786185369576