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EPICURUS And THE PLEASANT LiFE: A Philosophy of Nature Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition
In "Epicurus and the Pleasant Life," Haris Dimitriadis offers insights on how to find happiness by appreciating the natural world. Drawing from two decades of research, the author examines the views on the good life from Epicurus and Aristotle to the present day. The book focuses on the major theories that influenced human life, with meticulous attention to detail on Epicurean philosophy, followed by Aristotle's views on the core aspects of classical philosophical thought. Lastly, the author explores philosophical and scientific opinions from the modern era, including disciplines such as psychology, biology, neuroscience, astronomy, and more.
The comparison of the views allows us to understand better the similarities or disagreements of views and ways of life among the most significant theories embodied in the history of thought. The author hopes that readers will discover parallels between Epicurean philosophy and modern perspectives and that they can use Epicurean advice and recent scientific discoveries to improve their health and happiness.
The comparison of the views allows us to understand better the similarities or disagreements of views and ways of life among the most significant theories embodied in the history of thought. The author hopes that readers will discover parallels between Epicurean philosophy and modern perspectives and that they can use Epicurean advice and recent scientific discoveries to improve their health and happiness.
512 pages, Hardcover
Published November 30, 2022
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April 14, 2024
Epicurus was an Ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of Epicureanism. Even though he wrote hundreds of books during his lifetime, only a few of his letters, sayings, and fragments remain (Hiram, Crespo).
Most of his works were destroyed by those who opposed his teachings (likely religious authorities) (Hiram, Crespo). Despite this, Epicureanism continued to be influential for centuries after his death.
Modern scholars rely on secondary sources about Epicurus. Some of the historical figures who wrote about him were Diogenes Laertius, Cicero, and Lucretius.
Pleasure
1. Pleasure is a means and an end. It is the opposite of pain.
2. Pleasure is subjective. It can be influenced by cognition.
3. Pleasure is in a dynamic relationship with pain. The two are not separate, but rather, exist on a spectrum.
4. Not all pleasure is equal. Pursuing the wrong pleasures can lead to painful consequences.
5. It is important to examine the quality of pleasure, considering whether it is natural, necessary, and leads to favorable results (Dimitriadis, Haris).
6. Pleasure can be measured by its intensity and duration. At first, it is a fulfillment of needs. After that, it can be diversified further (Dimitriadis, Haris).
7. Pleasure can be about helping others. It does not necessarily have to be egocentric.
8. Many people are shamed for wanting pleasure. Because they listen to the opinions of others over their own inner voices, they sacrifice their happiness.
9. People are afraid of death. They hoard their wealth because they feel it will protect them. They cling to an illusion of security. Yet all their striving for status, money, and power will not last. They are as mortal as everyone else. Vain desires are difficult to satisfy and sustain. Those who pursue them often do so at the expense of their long term well-being. They always want what is beyond their reach (Dimitriadis, Haris).
10. People can try to fulfill their desires or limit the amount of desires that fulfill them.
11. Enjoyment comes not only from the activity, but from the anticipation of the activity and the memory of it afterward (Dimitriadis, Haris).
12. In the flow state, people become so engrossed in what they are doing that they forget themselves (Dimitriadis, Haris). They are fully absorbed in the moment.
13. Happiness depends on several factors that are interrelated: heredity, environmental conditions, and attitude. Yet those who are satisfied with a little can endure what others cannot (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Friendship
1. Friends should value each other equally. If a friendship is unequal, it can lead to abuse and resentment.
2. Friendship is mutually beneficial. Over time, friends desire to see each other happy because they share the same meanings, values, and aspirations (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. When friends reveal the truth of who they are, they develop trust for each other.
4. Unhealthy friendships involve competition, broken promises, lies, insults, abuse, complaints, and gossip. It is wise to withdraw from these relationships.
5. Friendships begin from self-interest. But they can become intrinsically worthwhile.
6. In deep friendships, friends see themselves in each other. They may even sacrifice their own needs to make their friends happy.
7. People are naturally altruistic. It is a way to ensure the survival of the species. When people cooperate, they function at a higher level. They can nurture the young, provide resources to members of their community, and pass on knowledge. Altruism can be corrupted, however, when people give too much of themselves. They sacrifice their well-being for those who don’t reciprocate (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Reason
Reason: (1.) sets a standard for truth, (2.) roots out false beliefs, (3.) determines the limits of desire, (4.) calculates what thoughts and actions are in a person’s self-interest (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Sex
1. Sex is a natural act. Yet it is not a necessary one (Dimitriadis, Haris).
2. Possessiveness leads to suffering. Those who attach themselves to others are full of worry. They become jealous and resentful. Rather than developing on their own, they depend on what is outside themselves for fulfillment. They do not view their lovers as people, but rather, as objects to have. Yet their lovers need the freedom to find their own happiness.
3. Sex is not only a way to satisfy physical desires. It is a way for individuals to feel wanted (Dimitriadis, Haris). When people are intimate, their pretensions fall away. They bond in their nakedness.
4. Performance anxiety often stems from feelings of inadequacy, shame, and guilt. Chronic stress can interfere with sexual pleasure as well. There is a great deal of social pressure on both partners to please each other. If not addressed, performance anxiety can often become a self-destructive cycle. Couples have to discuss their vulnerabilities in an open, honest, and loving manner. When there is a lack of communication, there is no growth (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Exercise
Since antiquity, exercise has been considered a benefit. When people care for their bodies, they care for their minds. Modern research has shown that those who exercise can boost their moods, reduce their risk for certain diseases, learn more efficiently, increase their sleep quality, promote socialization, and develop strength, flexibility, and conditioning (Dimitriadis, Haris).
The Senses
1. Friends who eat a delicious meal together can have a pleasant time. Impulsive eating, however, leads to painful consequences in the long term (e.g. anxiety, severe obesity, heart disease). Eating should be done in a mindful way.
2. Touch is vital for connection such as when cradling a newborn, massaging an injured patient, or brushing the cheek of a lover.
3. Pleasant smells can remind people of pleasant experiences from their past (Dimitriadis, Haris).
4. Even though the senses are prone to error, they are a way of distinguishing what is true from what is false (Hiram, Crespo). Those who dismiss their senses entirely have no basis for knowledge.
Humor
1. A belly laugh always follows from a good philosophy.
2. Humor is used to enrich social relationships, manage hardships, delight friends, gain new perspectives, and increase positive feelings (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. A playful attitude is associated with enhanced self-esteem and less stress.
4. Humor can be a strategic means of achieving psychological well-being.
Death
1. People fear the uncertainty of what comes after their death.
2. They try to escape their fear of annihilation through heroism, art, children, religion, politics, and so on (Dimitriadis, Haris) (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Awareness of mortality is important. People cannot live fully until they accept death.
4. When a person is alive, they are aware of being alive. When they are dead, they are not aware of being dead. Death is similar to what happens before birth (Hiram, Crespo).
The Gods
1. People have an instinct to believe. Later on, they are socialized into believing in X or Y. Many of their beliefs are there to soothe their existential anxieties (Dimitriadis, Haris) (Hiram, Crespo).
2. People often attribute supernatural design to natural phenomena (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Rather than admitting their ignorance about the world around them, individuals look for information that conforms to their beliefs. They reject information that goes against their beliefs.
4. If there are Epicurean gods, they don’t interfere with the known universe. Practically, they are non-existent (Dimitriadis, Haris).
5. Some individuals use the gods as models for how to behave. Others do not have any need for them (Hiram, Crespo).
6. Why should a person pray for something when they are capable of achieving it for themselves?
Money
1. Money can be used to satisfy basic human needs. At a certain point, too much money has diminishing returns (Dimitriadis, Haris).
2. Materialism leads to stress, greed, and a lack of empathy for those who have less (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. Money should not be an end in itself. All too often, people sacrifice their happiness for materialistic goals. They work for longer hours, spend less time with their families, compare themselves to their neighbors, neglect their hobbies, and ignore their health.
4. Quality experiences have more value than goods (Dimitriadis, Haris). Buying gifts for friends, however, can increase happiness. Community engagement is worthier than passive consumption.
Politics
1. Those who strive for political power are corrupted by it.
2. The political game is stressful and dangerous (Dimitriadis, Haris). Victories never last for long. Even the greatest civilizations have fallen.
3. It is important to be egalitarian in daily life. Solidarity matters in close relationships, which extends out to the community.
4. There is no happiness without freedom.
5. All people should be treated with dignity.
6. Laws should promote the greatest happiness for the most people.
7. Those who are just are tranquil. Those who are unjust are disturbed.
Philosophy
1. What value does philosophy have if it does not lessen the suffering of humanity?
2. Philosophy is about pursuing what is true and disregarding what is false.
3. An Epicurean follows their own judgments rather than the fickleness of the crowd.
4. It is important to focus on what is natural, necessary, and true. People should not waste their time on pleasures outside their control.
5. Learning should be tied to enjoyment.
6. Philosophy can help people to remove their delusions and baseless fears; develop gratitude, compassion, and generosity; endure hardships; and accept their mortality.
7. Those who live well can die well.
Vice
1. The arrogant are inconsiderate and laugh at the misfortunes of others. They believe they are blessed while not realizing their privileges. Rather than looking down on others, the arrogant should recall the gifts they are given every day, while acknowledging their own delicate position (Hiram, Crespo).
2. Sometimes anger is productive when it is brief and directed toward a virtuous end. Over time, anger can become habitually destructive. It can end in regret, especially when it is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Generations blindly pass their anger on to each other. They teach their children the violence of their actions and words. To reduce anger, people should detach themselves from their expectations, focusing on what they can control (Hiram, Crespo).
Moral Development
1. Some people are more open than others. This is partly due to their temperament and environment. When they are open, they can learn from their experience and progress.
2. With a proper education, people can leave behind their false beliefs (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Wisdom comes from studying nature. It comes from finding the right pleasures in life. Suffering results from an ignorance of these things (Hiram, Crespo).
___
Sources:
Epicurus. Crespo, Hiram. Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life: All the Principal Source Texts. Audiobook ed. Ukemi Audiobooks from W.F. Howes Ltd. May 14, 2020.
Dimitriadis, Haris. Epicurus and the Pleasant Life: A Philosophy of Nature. Audiobook ed. May 31, 2017.
Most of his works were destroyed by those who opposed his teachings (likely religious authorities) (Hiram, Crespo). Despite this, Epicureanism continued to be influential for centuries after his death.
Modern scholars rely on secondary sources about Epicurus. Some of the historical figures who wrote about him were Diogenes Laertius, Cicero, and Lucretius.
Pleasure
1. Pleasure is a means and an end. It is the opposite of pain.
2. Pleasure is subjective. It can be influenced by cognition.
3. Pleasure is in a dynamic relationship with pain. The two are not separate, but rather, exist on a spectrum.
4. Not all pleasure is equal. Pursuing the wrong pleasures can lead to painful consequences.
5. It is important to examine the quality of pleasure, considering whether it is natural, necessary, and leads to favorable results (Dimitriadis, Haris).
6. Pleasure can be measured by its intensity and duration. At first, it is a fulfillment of needs. After that, it can be diversified further (Dimitriadis, Haris).
7. Pleasure can be about helping others. It does not necessarily have to be egocentric.
8. Many people are shamed for wanting pleasure. Because they listen to the opinions of others over their own inner voices, they sacrifice their happiness.
9. People are afraid of death. They hoard their wealth because they feel it will protect them. They cling to an illusion of security. Yet all their striving for status, money, and power will not last. They are as mortal as everyone else. Vain desires are difficult to satisfy and sustain. Those who pursue them often do so at the expense of their long term well-being. They always want what is beyond their reach (Dimitriadis, Haris).
10. People can try to fulfill their desires or limit the amount of desires that fulfill them.
11. Enjoyment comes not only from the activity, but from the anticipation of the activity and the memory of it afterward (Dimitriadis, Haris).
12. In the flow state, people become so engrossed in what they are doing that they forget themselves (Dimitriadis, Haris). They are fully absorbed in the moment.
13. Happiness depends on several factors that are interrelated: heredity, environmental conditions, and attitude. Yet those who are satisfied with a little can endure what others cannot (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Friendship
1. Friends should value each other equally. If a friendship is unequal, it can lead to abuse and resentment.
2. Friendship is mutually beneficial. Over time, friends desire to see each other happy because they share the same meanings, values, and aspirations (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. When friends reveal the truth of who they are, they develop trust for each other.
4. Unhealthy friendships involve competition, broken promises, lies, insults, abuse, complaints, and gossip. It is wise to withdraw from these relationships.
5. Friendships begin from self-interest. But they can become intrinsically worthwhile.
6. In deep friendships, friends see themselves in each other. They may even sacrifice their own needs to make their friends happy.
7. People are naturally altruistic. It is a way to ensure the survival of the species. When people cooperate, they function at a higher level. They can nurture the young, provide resources to members of their community, and pass on knowledge. Altruism can be corrupted, however, when people give too much of themselves. They sacrifice their well-being for those who don’t reciprocate (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Reason
Reason: (1.) sets a standard for truth, (2.) roots out false beliefs, (3.) determines the limits of desire, (4.) calculates what thoughts and actions are in a person’s self-interest (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Sex
1. Sex is a natural act. Yet it is not a necessary one (Dimitriadis, Haris).
2. Possessiveness leads to suffering. Those who attach themselves to others are full of worry. They become jealous and resentful. Rather than developing on their own, they depend on what is outside themselves for fulfillment. They do not view their lovers as people, but rather, as objects to have. Yet their lovers need the freedom to find their own happiness.
3. Sex is not only a way to satisfy physical desires. It is a way for individuals to feel wanted (Dimitriadis, Haris). When people are intimate, their pretensions fall away. They bond in their nakedness.
4. Performance anxiety often stems from feelings of inadequacy, shame, and guilt. Chronic stress can interfere with sexual pleasure as well. There is a great deal of social pressure on both partners to please each other. If not addressed, performance anxiety can often become a self-destructive cycle. Couples have to discuss their vulnerabilities in an open, honest, and loving manner. When there is a lack of communication, there is no growth (Dimitriadis, Haris).
Exercise
Since antiquity, exercise has been considered a benefit. When people care for their bodies, they care for their minds. Modern research has shown that those who exercise can boost their moods, reduce their risk for certain diseases, learn more efficiently, increase their sleep quality, promote socialization, and develop strength, flexibility, and conditioning (Dimitriadis, Haris).
The Senses
1. Friends who eat a delicious meal together can have a pleasant time. Impulsive eating, however, leads to painful consequences in the long term (e.g. anxiety, severe obesity, heart disease). Eating should be done in a mindful way.
2. Touch is vital for connection such as when cradling a newborn, massaging an injured patient, or brushing the cheek of a lover.
3. Pleasant smells can remind people of pleasant experiences from their past (Dimitriadis, Haris).
4. Even though the senses are prone to error, they are a way of distinguishing what is true from what is false (Hiram, Crespo). Those who dismiss their senses entirely have no basis for knowledge.
Humor
1. A belly laugh always follows from a good philosophy.
2. Humor is used to enrich social relationships, manage hardships, delight friends, gain new perspectives, and increase positive feelings (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. A playful attitude is associated with enhanced self-esteem and less stress.
4. Humor can be a strategic means of achieving psychological well-being.
Death
1. People fear the uncertainty of what comes after their death.
2. They try to escape their fear of annihilation through heroism, art, children, religion, politics, and so on (Dimitriadis, Haris) (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Awareness of mortality is important. People cannot live fully until they accept death.
4. When a person is alive, they are aware of being alive. When they are dead, they are not aware of being dead. Death is similar to what happens before birth (Hiram, Crespo).
The Gods
1. People have an instinct to believe. Later on, they are socialized into believing in X or Y. Many of their beliefs are there to soothe their existential anxieties (Dimitriadis, Haris) (Hiram, Crespo).
2. People often attribute supernatural design to natural phenomena (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Rather than admitting their ignorance about the world around them, individuals look for information that conforms to their beliefs. They reject information that goes against their beliefs.
4. If there are Epicurean gods, they don’t interfere with the known universe. Practically, they are non-existent (Dimitriadis, Haris).
5. Some individuals use the gods as models for how to behave. Others do not have any need for them (Hiram, Crespo).
6. Why should a person pray for something when they are capable of achieving it for themselves?
Money
1. Money can be used to satisfy basic human needs. At a certain point, too much money has diminishing returns (Dimitriadis, Haris).
2. Materialism leads to stress, greed, and a lack of empathy for those who have less (Dimitriadis, Haris).
3. Money should not be an end in itself. All too often, people sacrifice their happiness for materialistic goals. They work for longer hours, spend less time with their families, compare themselves to their neighbors, neglect their hobbies, and ignore their health.
4. Quality experiences have more value than goods (Dimitriadis, Haris). Buying gifts for friends, however, can increase happiness. Community engagement is worthier than passive consumption.
Politics
1. Those who strive for political power are corrupted by it.
2. The political game is stressful and dangerous (Dimitriadis, Haris). Victories never last for long. Even the greatest civilizations have fallen.
3. It is important to be egalitarian in daily life. Solidarity matters in close relationships, which extends out to the community.
4. There is no happiness without freedom.
5. All people should be treated with dignity.
6. Laws should promote the greatest happiness for the most people.
7. Those who are just are tranquil. Those who are unjust are disturbed.
Philosophy
1. What value does philosophy have if it does not lessen the suffering of humanity?
2. Philosophy is about pursuing what is true and disregarding what is false.
3. An Epicurean follows their own judgments rather than the fickleness of the crowd.
4. It is important to focus on what is natural, necessary, and true. People should not waste their time on pleasures outside their control.
5. Learning should be tied to enjoyment.
6. Philosophy can help people to remove their delusions and baseless fears; develop gratitude, compassion, and generosity; endure hardships; and accept their mortality.
7. Those who live well can die well.
Vice
1. The arrogant are inconsiderate and laugh at the misfortunes of others. They believe they are blessed while not realizing their privileges. Rather than looking down on others, the arrogant should recall the gifts they are given every day, while acknowledging their own delicate position (Hiram, Crespo).
2. Sometimes anger is productive when it is brief and directed toward a virtuous end. Over time, anger can become habitually destructive. It can end in regret, especially when it is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Generations blindly pass their anger on to each other. They teach their children the violence of their actions and words. To reduce anger, people should detach themselves from their expectations, focusing on what they can control (Hiram, Crespo).
Moral Development
1. Some people are more open than others. This is partly due to their temperament and environment. When they are open, they can learn from their experience and progress.
2. With a proper education, people can leave behind their false beliefs (Hiram, Crespo).
3. Wisdom comes from studying nature. It comes from finding the right pleasures in life. Suffering results from an ignorance of these things (Hiram, Crespo).
___
Sources:
Epicurus. Crespo, Hiram. Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life: All the Principal Source Texts. Audiobook ed. Ukemi Audiobooks from W.F. Howes Ltd. May 14, 2020.
Dimitriadis, Haris. Epicurus and the Pleasant Life: A Philosophy of Nature. Audiobook ed. May 31, 2017.
April 16, 2026
Here Epicurus is connected to many contemporary scientific and philosophical insights, in a way that makes Epicurus feel very relevant for current and perhaps also future times.
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