Despite its modern-day connotations of hedonism, "Epicureanism" has more
to do with living a mindful, uncomplicated life. Epicurus -- who was
born at Samos, Greece, in 341 BC and died at Athens in 270 BC -- founded
a school of philosophy that focused on maximizing simple pleasures and
minimizing pain, such as the irrational fear of death. "Death is nothing
to us," declared Epicurus, "since when we are, death has not come, and
when death has come, we are not."
The philosopher did not believe that humans would be punished for their
sins after death, and he stressed the lifelong search for lasting
pleasures: tranquility, friendship, and philosophical inquiry. Although
Epicurus was a prolific author, very few of his writings have survived.
This volume, edited and translated by George K. Strodach, features three
important letters and a collection of observations preserved by the
biographer of ancient philosophers, Diogenes Laertius. Students of
philosophy and ancient history will appreciate this compilation of
Epicurus's enduring wisdom.