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Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life
If we all want happiness and pleasure so much, then why are we so bad at getting it?
Pleasure feels amazing! Anxiety, however, does not. The Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus rolled these two strikingly intuitive claims into a simple formula for happiness and well-being—pursue pleasure without causing yourself anxiety. But wait, is that even possible? Can humans achieve lasting pleasure without suffering anxiety about failure and loss? Epicurus thinks we can, at least once we learn to pursue pleasure thoughtfully.
In Living for Pleasure, philosopher Emily Austin offers a lively, jargon-free tour of Epicurean strategies for diminishing anxiety, achieving satisfaction, and relishing joys. Epicurean science was famously far ahead of its time, and Austin shows that so was its ethics and psychology. Epicureanism can help us make and keep good friends, prepare for suffering, combat imposter syndrome, build trust, recognize personal limitations, value truth, cultivate healthy attitudes towards money and success, manage political anxiety, develop gratitude, savor food, and face death.
Listeners will walk away knowing more about an important school of philosophy, but moreover understanding how to get what they want in life—happiness—without the anxiety of striving for it.
Pleasure feels amazing! Anxiety, however, does not. The Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus rolled these two strikingly intuitive claims into a simple formula for happiness and well-being—pursue pleasure without causing yourself anxiety. But wait, is that even possible? Can humans achieve lasting pleasure without suffering anxiety about failure and loss? Epicurus thinks we can, at least once we learn to pursue pleasure thoughtfully.
In Living for Pleasure, philosopher Emily Austin offers a lively, jargon-free tour of Epicurean strategies for diminishing anxiety, achieving satisfaction, and relishing joys. Epicurean science was famously far ahead of its time, and Austin shows that so was its ethics and psychology. Epicureanism can help us make and keep good friends, prepare for suffering, combat imposter syndrome, build trust, recognize personal limitations, value truth, cultivate healthy attitudes towards money and success, manage political anxiety, develop gratitude, savor food, and face death.
Listeners will walk away knowing more about an important school of philosophy, but moreover understanding how to get what they want in life—happiness—without the anxiety of striving for it.
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First published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 17, 2024
Still excellent on a second read.
April 23, 2024
this is kind of a self help book if you're wondering what to want out of life, how to be happy, how to be a better friend, or how to not fear death, or if you feel confused that what you want often make you unhappy. it covers a lot. Epicurus has some great takes on desires, friendship and the good life, and Austin's practical advice and modern comparisons make learning philosophy Fun And Easy! and it's reassuring in a way that the ancients had all the same anxieties and issues that we have today. ah the human condition
February 25, 2023
This is a really great book on the philosophy of Epicureanism. It’s not just about indulging in the pleasures of life, like gorging ourselves on ice cream or sex. in fact I think the author makes a pretty good argument that is not what Epicureanism is about at all. Epicureanism is about having gratitude for the pleasurable experiences that the world has to offer, and at the same time understanding that there is a balance on the teeter totter of life when it comes to those pleasures. Getting too much of anything robs us of the perspective of that gratitude.
I was also surprised at the depth of this philosophy. It encourages us to develop and work towards that which is universally valued, such as Friendship, Love and community. It emphasizes cultivation of those values. I also really appreciated the author’s anecdotes and analogies to our current 21st century internet society and how even though everything is different today then in Epicurious’ time, it really isn’t. The chapter on the Covid pandemic being analogous to the plague in Epicurious’s time was very insightful.
All in all this is a great book on Epicureanism. I recommend it to anyone who’s looking to learn and understand this often misunderstood philosophy.
I was also surprised at the depth of this philosophy. It encourages us to develop and work towards that which is universally valued, such as Friendship, Love and community. It emphasizes cultivation of those values. I also really appreciated the author’s anecdotes and analogies to our current 21st century internet society and how even though everything is different today then in Epicurious’ time, it really isn’t. The chapter on the Covid pandemic being analogous to the plague in Epicurious’s time was very insightful.
All in all this is a great book on Epicureanism. I recommend it to anyone who’s looking to learn and understand this often misunderstood philosophy.
February 27, 2023
Prof Austin does a great job selling Epicurus as a worthy competitor to Ryan Holiday’s ubiquitous Stoics, and perhaps as a better alternative. I’m eclectic in approach anyway so pursuit of pleasure as Epicurus defines it seems worth considering as a cognate to Buddhist life. I see considerable overlap. E’s focus on necessary pleasures like food, shelter, friendship and memorable experiences in lieu of dogged pursuit of wealth, power, beauty, etc., provides a hopeful counterbalance to the destructive excesses our culture seems to require.
December 22, 2024
Austin’s Epicureanism analyzes happiness by distinguishing necessary, extravagant, and corrosive desires.
April 6, 2024
A couple of factual errors not having to do with Epicureanism, but well-written and informative.
March 20, 2024
Wonderfully easy to digest and actually changed my life. This book was a push to finally get me to do things that I have been meaning to because I know it would make me happier. I will think of this book for a very long time.
November 11, 2023
Great Epicurean counterpart to this new genre of Modern Stoicism self help books. Ever since I started delving into the topic of Stoicism, I wondered if there would ever be a book that covers similar topics (How to live, how to apply its doctrines in modern life) but for Epicureanism, and I'm glad to say this was exactly what I was looking for.
The writing is very digestible and easy to read (barring the occasional reference to internet lingo or jokes, which I found cringey yet charming), and she presents a very convincing picture of Epicureanism (though I often wondered how much of what I was reading was "true" Epicurean doctrine and how much was the author's interpretation, with something as patchy and old as Epicureanism I guess it doesn't matter very much, given that the point is to bring the philosophy to the modern day).
The author also makes some very good points against Stoicism, which I was very pleased to see, as that is not something I've seen often from people who know what they're talking about.
All in all, if you're into Hellenistic philosophy as a guide to living life, this book is a must read.
The writing is very digestible and easy to read (barring the occasional reference to internet lingo or jokes, which I found cringey yet charming), and she presents a very convincing picture of Epicureanism (though I often wondered how much of what I was reading was "true" Epicurean doctrine and how much was the author's interpretation, with something as patchy and old as Epicureanism I guess it doesn't matter very much, given that the point is to bring the philosophy to the modern day).
The author also makes some very good points against Stoicism, which I was very pleased to see, as that is not something I've seen often from people who know what they're talking about.
All in all, if you're into Hellenistic philosophy as a guide to living life, this book is a must read.
October 19, 2024
An excellent read. A charitable and contemporary repackaging and exploration of Epicurus and his disciples while also managing to be well-balanced and critical.
There are numerous personal and pop-cultural references and anecdotes that serve to highlight and explain some of the more difficult or prickly concepts. These are both helpful and authentic in demonstrating where and how Austin comes to her points.
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough, really enjoyed it and found it super beneficial in my studies.
There are numerous personal and pop-cultural references and anecdotes that serve to highlight and explain some of the more difficult or prickly concepts. These are both helpful and authentic in demonstrating where and how Austin comes to her points.
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough, really enjoyed it and found it super beneficial in my studies.
June 22, 2023
Somewhat deep into the lives and philosophies of Epicurus and his contemporaries but much of it is written on an understandable level. There are many nuggets of wisdom here.
March 1, 2025
It seems like there is a revival of the Greek philosophy these days, with an emphasis on the practical teachings of these philosophers. Among others, Epicureanism provides its own unique path to happiness. Unfortunately, much Epicurus' writings have been lost. Fortunately, much also remains, along with the writing of later Epicureans such as Philodemus of Gadara.
In her book, Emily Austin does a good job of explaining teachings of Epicureanism in way that is clear, understandable, and practical for modern readers. Not only does she draw on the writings on Epicurus himself, but also on later Epicureans, especially Philodemus of Gadara. She addresses many common misconceptions.
Furthermore, because the original Epicurean writings are around 2,000 years old and written in a much different place and time, although the general principles are still applicable, it's very helpful to have writing to explain how to apply them to modern life. The author does a good job of explaining of these with many examples.
A few examples:
1. “Many of the things we need are psychological and social goods, not material goods. For that reason, people ranging from the very poor to the very rich can lack one or more of the necessary components of tranquility.”
2. “Understanding the difference between what we need and do not need produces two good results: (1) getting what we need becomes easier and (2) we achieve satisfaction by realizing happiness requires nothing more, though we will enjoy other pleasures should they come along without anxiety and struggle.”
3. “Epicurus denies there are two competing motives at war with one another—pleasure and duty…Indirect pleasures require deliberation with the future in mind, recognizing that some pain is a necessary part of the process. They require building a ladder to pick the fruit otherwise out of reach. That reluctant feeling of choosing displeasure for the sake of pleasure is, for Epicurus, a mark of ‘indirect hedonism’ at work.”
4. How to identify corrosive desires, which are a major hindrance to happiness.
5. “Nothing diminishes our anxiety more than a community of trustworthy and supportive friends. Maintaining good standing in a community of that sort, though, requires that we respect agreements and demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice for others. Such friendships depend on a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of long-term stability and joy.”
6. Mutual protection and shared values allow friends to acquire both security and joy on equal terms.
7. It is “impossible to live pleasantly without living prudently, honourably, and justly, and impossible to live prudently, honourably, and justly without living pleasantly.”
8. “We cannot achieve tranquility unless we develop the strength to acknowledge our weaknesses and work to counteract them.” Philodemus provides much advice on how help with this for oneself and others using frank speech.
9. Much more.
I have found these teachings very helpful and greatly appreciate Emily Austin writing this book.
In her book, Emily Austin does a good job of explaining teachings of Epicureanism in way that is clear, understandable, and practical for modern readers. Not only does she draw on the writings on Epicurus himself, but also on later Epicureans, especially Philodemus of Gadara. She addresses many common misconceptions.
Furthermore, because the original Epicurean writings are around 2,000 years old and written in a much different place and time, although the general principles are still applicable, it's very helpful to have writing to explain how to apply them to modern life. The author does a good job of explaining of these with many examples.
A few examples:
1. “Many of the things we need are psychological and social goods, not material goods. For that reason, people ranging from the very poor to the very rich can lack one or more of the necessary components of tranquility.”
2. “Understanding the difference between what we need and do not need produces two good results: (1) getting what we need becomes easier and (2) we achieve satisfaction by realizing happiness requires nothing more, though we will enjoy other pleasures should they come along without anxiety and struggle.”
3. “Epicurus denies there are two competing motives at war with one another—pleasure and duty…Indirect pleasures require deliberation with the future in mind, recognizing that some pain is a necessary part of the process. They require building a ladder to pick the fruit otherwise out of reach. That reluctant feeling of choosing displeasure for the sake of pleasure is, for Epicurus, a mark of ‘indirect hedonism’ at work.”
4. How to identify corrosive desires, which are a major hindrance to happiness.
5. “Nothing diminishes our anxiety more than a community of trustworthy and supportive friends. Maintaining good standing in a community of that sort, though, requires that we respect agreements and demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice for others. Such friendships depend on a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of long-term stability and joy.”
6. Mutual protection and shared values allow friends to acquire both security and joy on equal terms.
7. It is “impossible to live pleasantly without living prudently, honourably, and justly, and impossible to live prudently, honourably, and justly without living pleasantly.”
8. “We cannot achieve tranquility unless we develop the strength to acknowledge our weaknesses and work to counteract them.” Philodemus provides much advice on how help with this for oneself and others using frank speech.
9. Much more.
I have found these teachings very helpful and greatly appreciate Emily Austin writing this book.
February 23, 2023
This one of the latest books propagating Epicurean philosophy as a practice and as an answer to modern philosophical questioning, rather than as a museum piece or the ruins of an ancient creed. It is non-academic, written in a style that is friendly and easy to follow, and most modern Epicureans who have read the book seem to have a positive opinion of the book, as do I.
One of the ideas I appreciate (because this is such a prominent problem today) is her treatment of anxiety and how it relates to taraxis / perturbation. Epicurean philosophy helps us to diagnose (by signs) hindrances to happiness, and to tackle them rather than be avoidant. Epicureans do not use philosophy to escape nature, but to thrive in it and live pleasantly. This book discusses the many issues that are tackled directly by Epicurean therapeutics, and how Epicurus and the other Epicurean Guides act as life-coaches, helping us to address all the important philosophical projects related to our happiness.
The book also demonstrates how one may practice paraphrasing the Kyriai Doxai (a didactic method utilized by Philodemus of Gadara, most famously, in the Tetrapharmakos), as a way of memorizing them and gaining full cognitive assimilation of them. In this case, she paraphrases Principal Doctrine 29 (“the hierarchy of desires”), which says: "Among desires, some are natural and necessary, some are natural and unnecessary, and some are unnatural and unnecessary (arising instead from groundless opinion)". Austin re-labels the three categories as natural (natural and necessary), extravagant (natural, unnecessary) and corrosive (neither natural nor necessary) desires. She uses this terminology throughout the book. I believe this technique of paraphrasing works well, and is a great way for Kyriai Doxai to adapt and become native to our modern, English language.
Austin argues that in addition to studying the Epicurean sources, the student should also write his own epitomes and essays of Epicurean philosophy, rehashing and expressing Epicurean ideas in her own vernacular. This practice of reading and writing about Epicurus and his teachings is a great auto-didactic method. It was used in the days of the founders, who encouraged their pupils to keep outlines and summaries of the teachings. Much later, in Roman times, the Epicurean Guide Philodemus of Gadara instructed his own students to keep an outline of the doctrines on wealth. This demonstrates that the reading-and-writing method has been used to help students become experts in both the general points of the philosophy, and in the specific aspects.
Overall, this book is a great new addition to the modern study of Epicurus, and makes a great gift to a friend that we wish to introduce to the practice of Epicurean philosophy.
You'll find a more complete version of this review here: https://societyofepicurus.com/living-...
One of the ideas I appreciate (because this is such a prominent problem today) is her treatment of anxiety and how it relates to taraxis / perturbation. Epicurean philosophy helps us to diagnose (by signs) hindrances to happiness, and to tackle them rather than be avoidant. Epicureans do not use philosophy to escape nature, but to thrive in it and live pleasantly. This book discusses the many issues that are tackled directly by Epicurean therapeutics, and how Epicurus and the other Epicurean Guides act as life-coaches, helping us to address all the important philosophical projects related to our happiness.
The book also demonstrates how one may practice paraphrasing the Kyriai Doxai (a didactic method utilized by Philodemus of Gadara, most famously, in the Tetrapharmakos), as a way of memorizing them and gaining full cognitive assimilation of them. In this case, she paraphrases Principal Doctrine 29 (“the hierarchy of desires”), which says: "Among desires, some are natural and necessary, some are natural and unnecessary, and some are unnatural and unnecessary (arising instead from groundless opinion)". Austin re-labels the three categories as natural (natural and necessary), extravagant (natural, unnecessary) and corrosive (neither natural nor necessary) desires. She uses this terminology throughout the book. I believe this technique of paraphrasing works well, and is a great way for Kyriai Doxai to adapt and become native to our modern, English language.
Austin argues that in addition to studying the Epicurean sources, the student should also write his own epitomes and essays of Epicurean philosophy, rehashing and expressing Epicurean ideas in her own vernacular. This practice of reading and writing about Epicurus and his teachings is a great auto-didactic method. It was used in the days of the founders, who encouraged their pupils to keep outlines and summaries of the teachings. Much later, in Roman times, the Epicurean Guide Philodemus of Gadara instructed his own students to keep an outline of the doctrines on wealth. This demonstrates that the reading-and-writing method has been used to help students become experts in both the general points of the philosophy, and in the specific aspects.
Overall, this book is a great new addition to the modern study of Epicurus, and makes a great gift to a friend that we wish to introduce to the practice of Epicurean philosophy.
You'll find a more complete version of this review here: https://societyofepicurus.com/living-...
December 15, 2023
This is a really nice little book on Epicurus and Epicureanism. Prior to reading this book, I had the impression that Epicureanism was all about the pursuit of pleasure. I expected it to have something of a hedonistic tinge to it. This is, perhaps, the first big misconception that this book dispels. Whilst there is an element of hedonism to Epicureanism, there is much more besides.
The book establishes that Epicureanism is the pursuit of pleasure, but in a very narrowly defined way. Pleasure is defined as the absence of anxiety. This makes Epicureanism all about dispelling anxiety from our lives. That makes far more sense to me. We dispel anxieties by following our desires. Not any old desires, but our 'true' desires.
The author divides the sphere of desires into three. The first, and more insistent, are our necessary desires. If we don't satisfy those desires, we will cease to function as a human being. These include food, thirst, a desire for shelter, a desire for company, and so on. The second set of desires are extravagant desires. These are not essential to our lives, but they enhance its quality and enrich our lives. It is the difference between food to keep you alive, and a really good meal at a nice restaurant. We can live on bread and water, but live is much nicer having the occasional treat.
The final set of desires are the corrosive desires. They do nothing but bring us harm because they are not capable of being satisfied. This is the territory of the hedonism that I was expecting to find. It includes things such as the desire for wealth, the desire for fame, and the desire for power. Once we try to satisfy these desires, we find that, no matter how much we have accumulated, we never have enough. This is why these desires cannot be satisfied and why it is that their pursuit leads to nothing but more anxiety in the long term. Epicurus advises us to cease the pursuit of corrosive desires, and he has a point.
The book continues to give an Epicurean viewpoint on a number of aspects of life - relationships. greed, love, children, and, of course, death. These are all interesting and instructive chapters that contain practical advice to achieve an Epicurean approach to life. The final chapter is devoted to practicing Epicureanism in every day life. I imagine that I may return to this on those occasions when I feel that I have lost my way.
The book is a relatively short handbook. However, the author is an academic philosopher and writes in an academic style. This may not suit most readers because it can be off-putting at times. It is worth the struggle because the payoff for persistence is a degree of clarity that would be lost without it. I found it to be a very useful book.
The book establishes that Epicureanism is the pursuit of pleasure, but in a very narrowly defined way. Pleasure is defined as the absence of anxiety. This makes Epicureanism all about dispelling anxiety from our lives. That makes far more sense to me. We dispel anxieties by following our desires. Not any old desires, but our 'true' desires.
The author divides the sphere of desires into three. The first, and more insistent, are our necessary desires. If we don't satisfy those desires, we will cease to function as a human being. These include food, thirst, a desire for shelter, a desire for company, and so on. The second set of desires are extravagant desires. These are not essential to our lives, but they enhance its quality and enrich our lives. It is the difference between food to keep you alive, and a really good meal at a nice restaurant. We can live on bread and water, but live is much nicer having the occasional treat.
The final set of desires are the corrosive desires. They do nothing but bring us harm because they are not capable of being satisfied. This is the territory of the hedonism that I was expecting to find. It includes things such as the desire for wealth, the desire for fame, and the desire for power. Once we try to satisfy these desires, we find that, no matter how much we have accumulated, we never have enough. This is why these desires cannot be satisfied and why it is that their pursuit leads to nothing but more anxiety in the long term. Epicurus advises us to cease the pursuit of corrosive desires, and he has a point.
The book continues to give an Epicurean viewpoint on a number of aspects of life - relationships. greed, love, children, and, of course, death. These are all interesting and instructive chapters that contain practical advice to achieve an Epicurean approach to life. The final chapter is devoted to practicing Epicureanism in every day life. I imagine that I may return to this on those occasions when I feel that I have lost my way.
The book is a relatively short handbook. However, the author is an academic philosopher and writes in an academic style. This may not suit most readers because it can be off-putting at times. It is worth the struggle because the payoff for persistence is a degree of clarity that would be lost without it. I found it to be a very useful book.
August 25, 2024
This might easily be one of my top recommendations of 2023.
Living for Pleasure tries to teach its reader that Epicurus and his philosophy aren't just Hedonism-lite. I think that's often a weird label these two tend to get, and this book is a good starting place to learn why said label doesn't really do Epicurus justice.
The book itself is pleasantly written. Funnnily enough, there is moderation to be found here, both in writing style, the difficulty of what's being read, the personal, the factual, the opinionated and the anegdotal.
It's a good read even if you are already familiar with philosophy at a level beyond "beginner-intermediate", as such people are Austin's main target. I think it's difficult not to get something valuable out od Living for Pleasure. I would not call it a self-help book. I would also not call it a philosophical one. It's a guide, just as the name suggests.
And personally? It has been great company during my CBT. Maybe because it simply resonated with my personal philosophy, and that it did feel down to earth, yet spiritual at the same time. Once again, it kept balancing around the moderation midpoint, which has always been a goal of mine. For people with a similar goal of living moderately, of finding your own "just enough", this book should do just fine.
Living for Pleasure tries to teach its reader that Epicurus and his philosophy aren't just Hedonism-lite. I think that's often a weird label these two tend to get, and this book is a good starting place to learn why said label doesn't really do Epicurus justice.
The book itself is pleasantly written. Funnnily enough, there is moderation to be found here, both in writing style, the difficulty of what's being read, the personal, the factual, the opinionated and the anegdotal.
It's a good read even if you are already familiar with philosophy at a level beyond "beginner-intermediate", as such people are Austin's main target. I think it's difficult not to get something valuable out od Living for Pleasure. I would not call it a self-help book. I would also not call it a philosophical one. It's a guide, just as the name suggests.
And personally? It has been great company during my CBT. Maybe because it simply resonated with my personal philosophy, and that it did feel down to earth, yet spiritual at the same time. Once again, it kept balancing around the moderation midpoint, which has always been a goal of mine. For people with a similar goal of living moderately, of finding your own "just enough", this book should do just fine.
January 9, 2025
I read half of this last year and the other half after New Year 2025. Lots of self help books feel empty and any and all advice in them feel hollow.
This is not a self-help book in the conventional sense, but this is what should count as one. At its core, it is a book about Epicurean philosophy and how it can be applied to different aspects of our everyday life. But deep down, it is about the philosophy we all need to understand to live a happier life - one where we truly know the difference between a need and a want. I stumbled upon this book randomly at the library and I'm glad I did. I bought a copy to keep. It needs to be read with an open mind since some of the philosophy espoused by the Epicureans takes some time to even understand as a valid perspective. And I'm sure we'll be glad we did read this once we've done it.
Now that I've read this, I should be reading a little more of the primary sources to better understand the philosophy. It'll also be good to compare this with its contemporary schools of thought - primarily the Stoics whose philosophy has found a recent renaissance (if not as philosophy proper, rather as popular self-help).
This is not a self-help book in the conventional sense, but this is what should count as one. At its core, it is a book about Epicurean philosophy and how it can be applied to different aspects of our everyday life. But deep down, it is about the philosophy we all need to understand to live a happier life - one where we truly know the difference between a need and a want. I stumbled upon this book randomly at the library and I'm glad I did. I bought a copy to keep. It needs to be read with an open mind since some of the philosophy espoused by the Epicureans takes some time to even understand as a valid perspective. And I'm sure we'll be glad we did read this once we've done it.
Now that I've read this, I should be reading a little more of the primary sources to better understand the philosophy. It'll also be good to compare this with its contemporary schools of thought - primarily the Stoics whose philosophy has found a recent renaissance (if not as philosophy proper, rather as popular self-help).
January 3, 2023
My only reference to Epicurus before this was related to food and wine - and usually of a gluttonous, YOLO type of nature.
This was a very relatable and real look into what Epicurus actually believed, tried to explain and attempted to live himself. And those who followed him after.
I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. And feeling much of it all hit home in a "too-close to home" sort of way.
Epicurus definitely has more to him than just eating, drinking and some of the other philosophies that are attributed to him - this takes a nuanced look at all of them and helps put it all in perspective for living life - not just in his time but today 2000 years later. Actually it's shocking how relevant he is to today's world. Definitely has me intrigued and looking more into this as a philosophy and way of life.
This was a very relatable and real look into what Epicurus actually believed, tried to explain and attempted to live himself. And those who followed him after.
I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. And feeling much of it all hit home in a "too-close to home" sort of way.
Epicurus definitely has more to him than just eating, drinking and some of the other philosophies that are attributed to him - this takes a nuanced look at all of them and helps put it all in perspective for living life - not just in his time but today 2000 years later. Actually it's shocking how relevant he is to today's world. Definitely has me intrigued and looking more into this as a philosophy and way of life.
February 3, 2023
For me, this book was a revelation. It staggered me that an ancient Greek could formulate a philosophy so well suited for the modern era, and so scientifically valid. Very readable, with examples from the present day, I found myself putting it aside after a few pages to think about its implications to my life.
As I began this book, I said to myself, “hey, I'm already leading an epicurean life – I'm a natural.” And then I found out that I wasn't really, and in significant ways. While I've rarely been afflicted by the “corrosive” influence of greed in its many forms, I often fail at nurturing friendships, which Epicurus found to be central to the good life. As I've grown older, death has become a more ominous concern, and Epicurus shows how to come to grips with those fears. I could go on, but, do yourself a favor and read this yourself.
As I began this book, I said to myself, “hey, I'm already leading an epicurean life – I'm a natural.” And then I found out that I wasn't really, and in significant ways. While I've rarely been afflicted by the “corrosive” influence of greed in its many forms, I often fail at nurturing friendships, which Epicurus found to be central to the good life. As I've grown older, death has become a more ominous concern, and Epicurus shows how to come to grips with those fears. I could go on, but, do yourself a favor and read this yourself.
December 7, 2022
“We desire not only that we get something, but that we be pleased when we get it.”
Austin provides us with a fantastic primer on Epicurean philosophy. Pulling on translations and academic critiques, she offers insight into Epicurus' peers and his philosophy in that living for pleasure isn't an inherently bad thing to do. Of course, we must keep in mind that we should not seek pleasure that outright harms others, but instead focus on the joys in our lives.
Covering a plethora of topics such as friendship, romantic love, death, and food, she creates a guidebook that is so convincing that it might just make you rethink where you are and start thinking in greater terms of what happiness and pleasure are, and how one such as yourself can attain it.
Austin provides us with a fantastic primer on Epicurean philosophy. Pulling on translations and academic critiques, she offers insight into Epicurus' peers and his philosophy in that living for pleasure isn't an inherently bad thing to do. Of course, we must keep in mind that we should not seek pleasure that outright harms others, but instead focus on the joys in our lives.
Covering a plethora of topics such as friendship, romantic love, death, and food, she creates a guidebook that is so convincing that it might just make you rethink where you are and start thinking in greater terms of what happiness and pleasure are, and how one such as yourself can attain it.
March 25, 2023
A quote:
“Americans have a problem with over-scheduling and overworking, which for some results from brutal necessity, for others from a lifestyle choice born of ambition and acquisitiveness. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was against the law to eat at your desk in France. The French, consummate café and social diners that they are, deeply regretted that COVID-19 required them to save lives doing what Americans choose to do all the time.”
A timely, thought-provoking and ultimately satisfying overview of Epicureanism. A pleasure to read, for Americans at this point, or just anyone, anywhere.
“Americans have a problem with over-scheduling and overworking, which for some results from brutal necessity, for others from a lifestyle choice born of ambition and acquisitiveness. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was against the law to eat at your desk in France. The French, consummate café and social diners that they are, deeply regretted that COVID-19 required them to save lives doing what Americans choose to do all the time.”
A timely, thought-provoking and ultimately satisfying overview of Epicureanism. A pleasure to read, for Americans at this point, or just anyone, anywhere.
January 9, 2026
Listened on audio.
If you’ve done deep into the fashionable reinvention of Stoicism you would do well to compare and contrast to another Hellenic philosophy - Epicureanism.
You may have an image in your head. Hedonism? Lack of restraint? Withdrawal or avoidance of reality?
Not so. Epicureanism derives from the same root as other Hellenic philosophies and has the same core values of Courage Wisdom Temperance/Prudence and Integrity.
This is a fascinating look into one of the most poorly misquoted of the Hellenic philosophies. In an anxious world this offers a balm and certainly a few more cherries from which to pick to make up your chosen ethos in life.
If you’ve done deep into the fashionable reinvention of Stoicism you would do well to compare and contrast to another Hellenic philosophy - Epicureanism.
You may have an image in your head. Hedonism? Lack of restraint? Withdrawal or avoidance of reality?
Not so. Epicureanism derives from the same root as other Hellenic philosophies and has the same core values of Courage Wisdom Temperance/Prudence and Integrity.
This is a fascinating look into one of the most poorly misquoted of the Hellenic philosophies. In an anxious world this offers a balm and certainly a few more cherries from which to pick to make up your chosen ethos in life.
February 14, 2023
I've been reading a lot of Stoicism, thanks to Ryan Holiday, and I've become aware that the Stoics and the Epicureans of ancient Greece were antagonists, which I didn't understand. The subject book gave me a lot of insight into Epicureanism, which I now appreciate. The chapters are short, but the material is still relatively dense. I couldn't read more than a couple of chapters at a time. It would be helpful if the author started a Daily Epicurean newsletter like Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic.
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February 14, 2024This is an eminently readable and practical introduction to Epicurean thought. Although I've previously read Epicurus and Lucretius, this book is nonetheless insightful precisely because of how practical it is, addressing contemporary concerns like social media and the pandemic, and eternal ones like the fear of death and romantic love. About the latter, I do think that Austin interprets Epicurus too liberally in his thoughts about sexual relationships, but maybe I am influenced too much by Lucretius' (in)famous critique of romance in his de rerum natura, which I want to read again now after reading this book. I still lean towards interpreting Epicurus as more of an ascetic than Austin makes him out to be, but maybe that would drive away readers in the present age.
September 6, 2025
I don't think I have personally resonated as extremely to a philosophy. Of course this is incredibly surface level and there are plenty of ideas that I must grapple with further to truly understand and appreciate what it means, but I think this is an absolutely brilliant counterpoint to Stoicism.
For some reason I feel like stoicism has gripped popular culture as a healthy philosophy and while it has its merits, I think this does a much better job of providing a foundation for how to inspire happiness in oneself and in ones relationships. Would recommend this to everyone really.
For some reason I feel like stoicism has gripped popular culture as a healthy philosophy and while it has its merits, I think this does a much better job of providing a foundation for how to inspire happiness in oneself and in ones relationships. Would recommend this to everyone really.
November 17, 2024
I didn’t know what to expect going in but taking away that I align much more with Epicurean views than several others. Hedonism aside, I appreciate the take away of friendships being the mainstay for pleasure and getting through grief and that there isn’t some divine plan for every happy and horrible moment in life. I mostly appreciated the authors ability to simplify these ancient concepts into today’s life. Great read!
August 12, 2025
This book was great for when I wanted to fall asleep, because man I had the hardest time keeping my eyes open. I really really wanted to like it, my husband is really into philosophy, but I just had the hardest time plowing through this book. There were moments I enjoyed it, but for a book about Epicurus, she really really liked one of his pupils - Lucretius. A ton of other people like this book, so really, listen to those who enjoy philosophy and not me who usually reads fiction and fantasy.
September 25, 2023
Really great book actually. Super accessible introduction to Epicureanism with modern life applications. Definitely lots to think about, especially while living in the manic capitalist hell that can be NYC. I will try to have lunch at tables with other people more often and avoid the endless rat race/bad people
June 1, 2025
تصحيح مفاهيم عن مصطلحات كان الواحد بيتخض منها زي الهيدونيسم. Hedonism. او إن مبادئ زي المتعة pleasure ممكن تكون فلسفة في حد ذاتها و منطقية جدا.
After reading, I feel that hedonism makes much more sense than eudaimonia or virtue living because it describes how humans actually behave and not how they should .
P. S.
إسم تاني للكتاب ممكن يكون
Why Stoicim sucks.
After reading, I feel that hedonism makes much more sense than eudaimonia or virtue living because it describes how humans actually behave and not how they should .
P. S.
إسم تاني للكتاب ممكن يكون
Why Stoicim sucks.
December 28, 2022
Great book on Epicureanism!
This is just such a readable, practical book that makes philosophy so useful.
The best outcome is that I want to read and learn more about Epicureanism!
Bravo to the author for such a wonderful book. I look forward to reading your next!
This is just such a readable, practical book that makes philosophy so useful.
The best outcome is that I want to read and learn more about Epicureanism!
Bravo to the author for such a wonderful book. I look forward to reading your next!
April 4, 2024
Very thoughtful and helpful
I wish Emily A. Austin was my friend. This is a very readable and practical book about a philosophy that has more to recommend it than many think. Highest recommendation!
I wish Emily A. Austin was my friend. This is a very readable and practical book about a philosophy that has more to recommend it than many think. Highest recommendation!
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Philosophy is funny, cause it's just ideas. And people argue about them.
Was this interesting? Yes!
Was it infuriating? Sometimes.
Was it repetitive? Yes, but this is how we learn.
ALSO
Emily A. Austin and Emily R. Austin.... TWO DIFFERENT CATS.
Philosophy is funny, cause it's just ideas. And people argue about them.
Was this interesting? Yes!
Was it infuriating? Sometimes.
Was it repetitive? Yes, but this is how we learn.
ALSO
Emily A. Austin and Emily R. Austin.... TWO DIFFERENT CATS.
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