Epicureanism
Ataraxia-seeking ancient school
Epicureanism is the philosophy founded by the Greek thinker Epicurus, who taught that pleasure—particularly mental tranquility and freedom from fear—is the highest good.
Despite popular misconception, Epicurus advocated simple pleasures and moderation rather than indulgence.
The philosophy emphasized friendship, rational inquiry, and avoiding pain over pursuing intense pleasure. (Lowercase epicureanism refers to devotion to sensory pleasure.)
- ataraxiaImperturbable peace of mind
- atomismDiscrete particles compose everything
- materialismPrioritizing goods over spirit
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
sensationalism · naturalism · secularism · determinism · mortality · physicalism · individualism · prudence
Lucretius
- ataraxiaImperturbable peace of mind
- atomismDiscrete particles compose everything
- materialismPrioritizing goods over spirit
empiricism · sensationalism · naturalism · secularism · determinism · mortality · physicalism · individualism · prudence · moderation
Lucretius
- JeffersonThird American president
Stoicism
Virtue-centered ancient philosophy
- AristotelianismPhilosophy derived from Stagira's sage
- PlatonismPhilosophy emphasizing ideal Forms
- AcademyElite scholarly institution
EpicureanismStoicism
Virtue-centered ancient philosophy
asceticism · Cynicism · Puritanism · monasticism · Calvinism
Epicureanismasceticism
Severe self-denial practice
self-denial · austerity · abstinence · puritanism · self-abnegation