A quotation from Epicurus

Quotation

Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And once it does come, we no longer exist.
— Epicurus

Philosophical Context

HellenisticEpicurean

Epicurus

341 BCE – 270 BCE

Pleasure is the absence of pain. The good life is quiet, shared, and free from fear.

Epicurus built a garden on the edge of Athens and invited friends to live there. His philosophy was gentle: pleasure is good, but the deepest pleasure is freedom from anxiety. Do not fear the gods, they are indifferent. Do not fear death, you will not experience it. Eat simply, love your friends, and think clearly. His school welcomed women and enslaved people, which scandalized Athens. His teachings were distorted for centuries but remain among the most humane in philosophy.

⚔️ Philosophical Clash & DebateHellenistic Philosophy

Epicurus vs. Zeno of Citium

Tranquil Pleasure (Ataraxia) vs. Stoic Duty (Logos): How to achieve tranquility in an uncertain world?

In the tumultuous wake of Alexander the Great's empire, Epicurus and Zeno of Citium offered competing philosophies for inner peace. In his secluded Garden, Epic…

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Understanding This Quotation

What does Epicurus mean by this quotation?

Pleasure is the absence of pain. The good life is quiet, shared, and free from fear. Epicurus built a garden on the edge of Athens and invited friends to live there. His philosophy was gentle: pleasure is good, but the deepest pleasure is freedom from anxiety. Do not fear the gods, they are indifferent. …