Epicurus | Brief Biography
Epicurus | Brief Biography
Epicurus was a Greek philosopher and writer who lived from 341 BCE to 270 BCE. He was born on the island of Samos but later moved to Athens to study philosophy. Epicurus was the founder of the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism, which was named after him.
Epicurus believed in the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the highest good in life. He saw pleasure as the absence of physical pain and mental distress and believed that living a simple and moderate life was the key to achieving this state. He also believed in the concept of ataraxia, which referred to a state of tranquility and freedom from fear and anxiety.
Epicurus’ philosophy was heavily influenced by the ideas of Democritus, who believed that the universe was made up of atoms and void and that everything that existed could be reduced to these elements. Epicurus expanded upon this idea by arguing that the soul was also made of atoms and that it dissolved into nothingness upon death.
Epicurus also believed in determinism, the idea that everything that happens is determined by natural causes and is beyond our control. He used this belief to argue against the fear of death, stating that death was nothing to us because we would not exist to experience it. He also rejected the idea of an afterlife, stating that there was no evidence for it and that the fear of punishment or reward in the afterlife was irrational.
Epicurus was well-known for his advocacy of pleasure and his rejection of traditional religious beliefs. This often put him at odds with other philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato, who believed that the highest good in life was the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. Despite this, Epicurus’ ideas gained a following and his philosophy became popular among the general population.
His teachings were recorded in a number of works, including “Letters,” “Principal Doctrines,” and “Vatican Sayings.” These works were highly regarded by his followers, who saw him as a wise and enlightened teacher.
His legacy continues to this day, as his ideas about pleasure, death, and the nature of the universe have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and popular culture. He is widely considered one of the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, and his teachings continue to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers alike. 0 0 0.
N. B. This article originally belongs to the book, ‘Brief Biographies of Ancient Thinkers and Writers‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Biography by M. Menonimus:
- The World Writers-Brief Biographies
- Introduction to World Writers
- Introduction to World Personalities
- Love of Reputed Persons ..
Additional Searches:
- Famous Writers
- 9 Greek Philosopher
- Ancient Biography
- Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Japanese Philosophy
- Chinese Philosopher
- Ancient Sanskrit Literature and Writers ….
