Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, founded a school of thought known as Epicureanism, which sought to find the means to a happy and tranquil life. He taught that the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain were the keys to a good life. Despite living over two millennia ago, his thoughts continue to resonate with many. This article delves into 30 of Epicurus’ most famous quotes, offering insights and interpretations to better understand his philosophy.
1. “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Epicurus emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have rather than constantly longing for more. This gratitude helps us find contentment and joy in our current circumstances.
2. “The art of living well and the art of dying well are one.”
For Epicurus, living a good life and facing death without fear are intrinsically linked. Understanding the nature of life helps us accept death as a natural part of existence.
3. “It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us.”
The value of friendship lies not just in the assistance provided but in the security and comfort of knowing that someone is there for us.
4. “He who is not satisfied with a little, is satisfied with nothing.”
Epicurus warns against insatiable desires. Learning to be content with little is crucial for achieving lasting happiness.
5. “Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.”
This quote captures Epicurus’ view on death, which should not be feared as it is merely the cessation of sensation. When we are alive, death is absent, and when death occurs, we are no longer there to experience it.
6. “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”
Challenges and difficulties are opportunities to demonstrate strength and gain wisdom. Overcoming adversity is a source of true accomplishment.
7. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
True wealth, according to Epicurus, is about reducing our desires rather than accumulating material goods. Simplicity leads to contentment.
8. “The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.”
Even in difficult times, a wise person finds ways to cope and grow, while a fool may squander opportunities for genuine happiness.
9. “Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.”
The measure of our wealth lies in the joy and satisfaction we derive from what we possess, not in the possessions themselves.
10. “Of all the means to ensure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.”
Friendship is central to a happy life. Friends provide support, joy, and a sense of belonging that significantly contributes to our well-being.
11. “He who has peace of mind disturbs neither himself nor another.”
Inner peace is a cornerstone of Epicurean philosophy. A calm and content mind does not create conflict with oneself or others, leading to harmonious living.
12. “There is nothing terrible in life for the man who truly understands that there is nothing terrible in not living.”
Acceptance of mortality removes the fear of death, allowing one to live fully without the dread of what comes after life.
13. “To eat and drink without a friend is to devour like the lion and the wolf.”
Epicurus highlights the social aspect of human nature. Sharing meals with friends enriches our experiences and contributes to our happiness.
14. “I have never wished to cater to the crowd; for what I know they do not approve, and what they approve I do not know.”
Epicurus values individual wisdom over popular opinion. True understanding often goes against the grain of common beliefs.
15. “It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself.”
Relying on oneself rather than divine intervention is a key aspect of Epicurean thought. We should strive to achieve what we desire through our own efforts.
16. “Justice is a contract of expediency, entered upon to prevent men harming or being harmed.”
Justice arises from mutual agreements designed to ensure safety and cooperation, rather than being an absolute moral truth.
17. “The time when most of you should withdraw into yourself is when you are forced to be in a crowd.”
Epicurus advises retreating into oneself for reflection and tranquility, especially when surrounded by the chaos and distractions of others.
18. “He who desires to be rich will not be rich.”
The relentless pursuit of wealth often leads to dissatisfaction and a never-ending cycle of desire. True richness comes from contentment.
19. “A free life cannot acquire many possessions, because this is not easy to do without servility to mobs or monarchs.”
Epicurus advocates for simplicity and independence. Acquiring excessive possessions often compromises one’s freedom and integrity.
20. “He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.”
Overcoming internal struggles such as doubt and fear is essential for achieving success and happiness. These emotions often hinder our progress more than external obstacles.
21. “The wise man does not grieve for things he has not, but rejoices for those he has.”
Epicurus emphasizes gratitude and focusing on what we possess rather than lamenting what we lack. This mindset fosters happiness.
22. “The wealth required by nature is limited and is easy to procure; but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity.”
Natural needs are simple and attainable, whereas the pursuit of extravagant desires leads to endless striving and dissatisfaction.
23. “Be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance.”
Moderation is key to experiencing life’s pleasures fully. Excess often diminishes our ability to enjoy and appreciate what we have.
24. “If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.”
Reducing one’s desires is a more effective path to happiness than accumulating wealth. Contentment lies in wanting less.
25. “The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently.”
A wise person values safety and does not take unnecessary risks, understanding that most things are not worth jeopardizing one’s well-being.
26. “We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.”
The social aspect of dining is more important than the food itself. Companionship enriches our experiences and makes them more enjoyable.
27. “You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”
Courage is built through facing and overcoming difficulties, not through constant happiness. Adversity strengthens our resilience and character.
28. “The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom.”
Being self-sufficient frees us from dependence on others, allowing us to live more freely and autonomously.
29. “The gods can either take away evil from the world and will not, or, being willing to do so, cannot; or they neither can nor will, or lastly, they are both able and willing.”
This quote from Epicurus’ “Problem of Evil” challenges the existence of omnipotent and benevolent gods, questioning why evil persists if such gods exist.
30. “Pleasure is the beginning and the end of a blessed life.”
Epicurus views pleasure as the ultimate goal of life. However, he defines pleasure as the absence of pain and the presence of simple, sustainable joys rather than hedonistic indulgence.
Epicurus’ quotes provide a timeless guide to leading a fulfilled and tranquil life. His emphasis on simplicity, self-sufficiency, and the value of friendships offers practical wisdom that remains relevant today. By reflecting on these quotes, we can gain deeper insights into how to navigate the complexities of life and achieve true happiness.
