Re-Introducing: Epicureanism
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Amsterdam 07-11-2021
Let me take you back to 341 BC. A man named Epicurus is born on Samos, Greece. A man who will in his later life, revolutionize how we think about happiness and how to get it. He will become a philosopher in ancient Greek society, the haven of all ancient philosophers. But, in contrary to other philosophers he starts thinking not about what is good moral behaviour, but about behaviour that brings man and woman to the highest state of happiness. At the core of his beliefs are serenity and long-term happiness. Serenity is defined by the absence of anxiety and suffering through which you can acquire peace of mind. Long-term happiness can be acquired by thinking about your choices and focussing on the sum of pleasure . Epicureanism is seen by us (but not only us) as a really early form of hedonism. We too, strive to gain peace of mind and we too strive to live a live without anxiety and suffering. For a life without anxiety and suffering is a life in which pleasure can be allowed to thrive. As we leave you, we leave you with this quote:
'Pleasure is the first good. It is the beginning of every choice and every aversion.
It is the absence of pain in the body and of troubles in the soul.'
~Epicurus~