Western Civilization I / Unit 5 WC1 0418 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Epicureans: Withdraw and Enjoy
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The idea
Hellenistic philosophy turned from politics to personal ethics: how to live in tranquility. Epicurus taught withdrawal from public life; the gods, if any, are indifferent; death is final and so not to be feared; pleasure means refinement, not excess.
In practice
Sex yes, emotional love no, since love brings suffering.
Where people slip
Epicurean did not mean gluttony. The modern sense inverts the school.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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